Pubdate: Fri, 07 Dec 2001
Source: The Herald-Sun (NC)
Copyright: 2001 The Herald-Sun
Contact:  http://www.herald-sun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1428
Author: Joe Englert

CANDIDATE DOLES OUT SUPPORT, FOOD IN DURHAM VISIT

DURHAM -- Elizabeth Dole, an announced Republican candidate for the U.S. 
Senate, visited the Durham Rescue Mission Friday and praised the homeless 
shelter's rehabilitation program.

During a short address in the facility's small chapel, Dole encouraged a 
handful of people in the mission's "Victory" alcohol and drug 
rehabilitation program to stick with it.

She also lauded the program's focus on biblical instruction.

"I'm a strong believer in great programs," she said, "but you need that 
help beyond ourselves to really be effective."

After her remarks members of the "Victory Choir" - a group of people in the 
rehabilitation program - performed a song called the "Thank You Lord for 
Your Blessings on Me."

Then Dole poured sodas and answered residents' questions during the 
mission's scheduled break time.

Rev. Ernie Mills, the shelter's founder, also showed Dole the future site 
of the mission's new main building and the computer labs.

"(Dole's) visit means a lot to me," Mills said, "but even more to the 
residents. Just her listening to them and their concerns, and challenging 
them to complete the program, has been great."

Dole's visit was part of a campaign pledge to visit all 100 North Carolina 
counties before the 2002 election. It was her second recent visit to 
Durham. After stopping in Nash and Wake counties earlier Friday, Dole has 
already traveled to 34 counties.

An Elon College poll released Friday showed that Dole enjoys a significant 
lead over Democratic challengers. If the election were held today, the poll 
shows Dole defeating her nearest challenger, Erskine Bowles, by a 4-to-1 
margin.

The Durham Rescue Mission is funded privately and serves more than 140 of 
Durham's homeless every night. It offers an 11-month rehabilitation program 
for men and a nine-month program for women.
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MAP posted-by: Beth