On July 14, Orange County, in partnership with the towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough, launched the Tropical Storm Chantal Giving Fund to support local recovery efforts. As of Sept. 9, the fund has raised more than $84,000 to help displaced residents rebuild their lives.

An intergovernmental steering committee has been formed to guide recovery and direct resources where they are most needed. Funds will be used to address resident needs such as:

• Assisting displaced survivors with safe and temporary housing
• Rehabilitating, improving safety and preserving housing for homeowners
• Ensuring continuation of and streamlined access to existing housing support programs, including emergency housing assistance
• Expanding access to mental and behavioral health services, with a focus on impacted children
• Providing direct individual assistance such as clothing, food, medications and other personal items
• Supporting medical needs, including replacement of medications, assistive devices and accommodations for residents with disabilities

County and town agencies will utilize these funds along with other available resources to address residents’ emergent needs before individual funding from North Carolina Emergency Management becomes available. All allocations will be tracked by the steering committee.

Current Housing Situation
 
Currently, the Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) is supporting 18 households in hotels, down from a peak of 26. Fifteen hotel stays are funded by the county and towns, while three are covered by Alliance Health. To date, lodging costs have exceeded $121,000, with nightly expenses averaging $2,000.

• Fifteen households with Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) have identified new housing and are expected to move within two weeks, pending inspections. Move-in costs will be covered by the HCV program.
• Five households have moved into new housing already and seven more should be moving out of the hotel by September 12.
• Eight households without Housing Choice Vouchers are working closely with DSS case managers to secure permanent housing.

Comprehensive Support Services

DSS staff have conducted needs assessments for displaced residents, providing connections to:

• Medical referrals, including cancer treatment through UNC Health
• Food and nutrition benefits
• Free bus passes and transportation assistance
• Meals on Wheels deliveries
• Distribution of hygiene products, clothing, cell phones, pet food, and mobility aids
• Support in securing IDs and financial documents
• Coverage of rental application fees and arrears through partner organizations
• Emotional support, counseling, and advocacy

Assessments have been completed for 64 households, including Camelot Village residents. DSS also assisted an additional 14 public housing households with grocery gift cards. Residents not eligible for county programs received information and referral assistance.

Strong Community Partnerships

When disaster strikes, recovery isn’t something one group or government can do alone. It takes a whole community working together to heal, rebuild, and move forward. By listening to community voices and supporting one another, recovery efforts can meet real needs, include those who are most at risk and create lasting solutions. It’s not just about repairing buildings and roads – it’s also about restoring connections, livelihoods and hope. Orange County, in partnership with Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, is grateful to be working alongside many diverse community partners to navigate recovery together. Those who want to help are encouraged to become engaged – continue to donate, volunteer, or lend a hand wherever possible. 

Orange County residents who are facing a housing crisis because of Tropical Storm Chantal can call 919-245-2800, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to speak with a social worker about local support that may be available. Most resources require a financial eligibility determination, and documentation of damage will be needed.