The Durham County commissioners got two reports Monday on the homeless situation in Durham. Both had some good news, but both indicated the problem is getting worse.

Urban Ministries of Durham is turning fewer people away for lack of room, director Patrice Nelson said. But the agency is running into the red paying for security, cafeteria trays and even toilet paper.

"It is embarrassing to discuss it, but it's important for everybody to know what the issues are," Nelson said.

Officials with the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Durham said that 76 new housing units should be open by the end of 2010 - more than halfway to the goal of 150 - but the number of homeless people in Durham is going up.

"We really need to do a good reality check of where we are," said Lanea Foster, the project's resource manager.

Urban Ministries operates a shelter, serves free meals three times a day every day and gives canned food and donated clothing to the needy.

The recession had "a major impact ... across the board" on all the center's services, Nelson said. Lost or inadequate employment was the single most cited primary cause of need among its clients - 173 of 515, almost double the 88 for whom the primary cause was substance abuse - in July-September 2009.

"We're really trying to figure out how to make ends meet," Nelson said, with 2008-09 expenses outpacig income by about $125,000.

A particular problem she mentioned is having only one bathroom available for public use during the day, when the shelter building is closed but people hang out there waiting for it to open.

The center could use some portable toilets, Nelson told the commissioners: "If you have a couple stored somewhere, it would help us a lot."

"We need to move fast on the bathroom issue," Commissioner Joe Bowser said. "Simply because of what we're dealing with."

The commissioners asked County Manager Mike Ruffin to convene a group to work on UMD's difficulties. From the 10-Year Plan, they wanted to see results.

Lloyd Schmeidler, the plan's community education director, reported on the new housing units under way, an "Adult System of Care" organized, and "career readiness credentials" offered by Durham Tech.

"This is interesting, but it's really not hitting home," said Commissioner Ellen Reckhow. "We have a contract with you. ... Your report should cover all the points in the contract in terms of measurable outcomes."

Anita Oldham, director of the Durham Affordable Housing Coalition, lead agency in the 10-Year plan, said they could not tell whether they were on track or not.

"We are housing people," she said, "but there may be more people homeless now because of the economy."

Commissioner Brenda Howerton suggested reconvening the group that started the 10-Year Plan to assess its progress.

"We have to look at the variables we're dealing with," Bowser said. "Two years into the program, you should be able to see where you're going to go."