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Dear Chapel Hill neighbors,
As we end this wet and difficult week, I am writing to check in with everyone. Over the past few days, I have visited sites that have been flooded out and talked or met with many who have been impacted by this storm. The devastation is mind-boggling and our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected.
Today, as we head into the weekend, I want to take a moment to share three quick things:
First and foremost, our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by this storm.
We know that this has been a difficult time and want to make sure everyone knows that the Town, county, and other community partners are here to help.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out. Updates and resource information is available on the town website. The County’s Recovery Assistance Center will be open tomorrow from 12 noon - 7 pm tomorrow at the Drakeford Library Complex in Carrboro.
Second, we ask people to be patient as we continue to clean up and recover.
Rainfall rates and creek level rise from this storm are the highest ever recorded for Chapel Hill and the devastation we are seeing reflects that. Town staff across all departments have been working tirelessly to clean up town facilities while, also, assisting residents and businesses who have been impacted. We have been joined in this work by the county, state, Red Cross, community partners, and others. This comes at a time when changes to FEMA and other programs are being made which is adding uncertainty to an already challenging situation. This will take time and we will continue to share updates as the work continues.
Third, I am thankful to everyone who has reached out to help.
Since before the rain ended, we have been hearing from people across Chapel Hill and the Triangle area wanting to help.
To support affected businesses, please visit their websites and/or social media to learn about any fundraising efforts or online services during this time.
Here are some places for folks who want to help and those who may need help:
FOOD & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Diaper Bank of North Carolina - Diapers and Period Supplies
Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
Inter-faith Council for Social Service
Pet Food Assistance | Orange County, NC
PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro
TABLE Ministries
HOUSING & LEGAL HELP
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance
Orange County Housing Helpline
Lastly, we urge everyone to continue to use caution as cleanup efforts are ongoing.
The forecast for coming days calls for additional rain which may slow down efforts to dry things out and clean them up. So, again, please be patient and continue to take care.
For those who missed it, a beautiful rainbow graced Chapel Hill skies yesterday evening and today the sun is shining in Carolina blue skies. Together we will get through this.
With gratitude and resolve,
Mayor Jess
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