Building on its role as one of the largest private employers and an economic engine in the region, Duke University and Duke University Health System will invest $203 million over three years to expand economic opportunity for the residents of Durham and the Triangle.
The HomeGrown initiative makes commitments across four areas where Duke can have direct impact on the economic mobility of citizens in its home city and region: employment pathways, local business partnerships, construction opportunities, and community investment. The university will track its progress and post it publicly at homegrown.duke.edu .
"Duke is deeply connected to Durham and the broader Triangle - as a neighbor, a partner, and an anchor institution committed to strengthening the community we call home," said Duke President Vincent Price. "As our region has grown and changed, not everyone has benefited equally from that progress. HomeGrown represents our determination to meet this moment with clarity and purpose to ensure that our region's forward momentum is shared by all who live and work here."
"Investing in people is reflected in Duke's missions, and this significant commitment to our region through HomeGrown will further connect local talent to careers, businesses to growth, and families to affordable housing," said Stelfanie Williams, Duke's vice president for community affairs. "By partnering with community organizations, local enterprises, and educational institutions, Durham and the Triangle will be stronger, healthier, and have greater opportunities that benefit everyone."
Region's Largest Employer
Duke is the Triangle's biggest private employer, with more than 60 percent of its workforce living in Durham. In the spirit of the HomeGrown initiative, the university and health system are making continued investments in its employees: In particular, Duke will raise its minimum wage to $20 an hour, effective July 1. More than 4,000 employees of Duke University and Duke University Health System will see their pay increase. An additional 9,000 employees whose wages are currently near the new minimum will receive wage adjustments in recognition of their experience and years of service to the institution. This action reinforces Duke's strong total compensation program, which includes market-leading employee benefits. Together, these investments strengthen economic security for Durham and Triangle families.
"For many families in Durham and across the region, Duke Health is their first experience with Duke- not just as a place of care, but as an employer and community partner," said Thomas Owens, M.D., executive vice president and chief operating officer of Duke University Health System. "HomeGrown brings focus and transparency to work we've been doing for years: creating pathways to good jobs, investing locally, and building a stronger community alongside our neighbors."
Duke has also been committed to creating pathways to employment at Duke. Duke Health collaborated with Durham Public Schools and Durham Technical Community College to launch the Durham Early College of Health Sciences , which guides students into careers at Duke Health. More than 100 local 9th graders began their journey last August at the school.
Roshanna Singley Humphrey , director of the Durham County Justice Services Department, believes the initiative will offer new opportunities for her department's clients. "This partnership reflects our mission to empower justice involved individuals, and we are excited to see Duke leading the way in turning this commitment into action for those ready to rebuild their lives," Humphrey said.
Partnership with Local Businesses
HomeGrown builds on longstanding existing partnerships while establishing new commitments and greater transparency with regards to Duke's spending for goods and services.
Geoff Durham , president & CEO of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, said he believes the initiative will build a more resilient economy and position local businesses for sustainable long-term growth.
"Duke University's expanded local investment will increase employment opportunities and strengthen talent pipelines," he said.
By directing more contract spending to local vendors and supporting regional enterprises, Durham says he expects the initiative to also generate broader-reaching economic activity.
Making Homeownership Possible
Dan Levine, vice president and director of real estate at the Self-Help Credit Union, said this effort builds on Duke's decades-long investment in his agency's community development work in Durham.
"By investing in community development financial institutions and providing additional local contracting and hiring opportunities, Duke will open doors of opportunity, figuratively and in some cases literally, to help people afford housing, grow small businesses, and build community wealth," Levine said.
Housing is an area that Duke and Durham have collaborated on for decades. HomeGrown will build on three decades of this effort, beginning with the Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership in 1996. Last year, Duke and Durham celebrated the dedication of a Centennial Habitat for Humanity home - one of many in the Triangle they have built together.
By the Numbers
Here are just some of the employee commitments under the initiative:
Increase local hiring from 69 to 80% for key entry-level roles with advancement potential.
Create 75 new paid internships through YouthWorks.
Double the number of formerly incarcerated employees from 50 to 100.
Over three years, increase spending with Durham and Triangle businesses by $45 million.
Increase capital project spending with Durham and Triangle construction-related firms by a cumulative $120 million.
Increase investments in affordable housing from $22M to $60M through community development financial institutions .
