As counties begin their survey efforts of the impact of Tropical Depression Chantal, local businesses, grassroots organizations and families have started sharing resources for those impacted by the floods and those looking to help.
The resources listed below provide shelter options, water notices, charities to donate to and more that will help those displaced by the flood damages.
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Emergency resources
The Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter in Durham for people displaced by flooding from the Eno River. The shelter is at Emmanuel AME Church at 2018 Riddle Road in Durham. To find the shelter nearest you, visit redcross.org/shelter, download the Red Cross Emergency App or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
A Tropical Storm Chantal Community Giving Fund has been established to support local recovery efforts across Orange County and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough.
This fund is a collaborative effort between the county and each town to make sure donated funds are prioritized for critical needs and are equitably distributed across the county.
If you’d like to donate, visit this page. Your contribution will provide essential resources and services during recovery.
Orange County's Recovery Assistance Center will provide essential services and support to affected residents through 7pm Saturday, July 12 at the Drakeford Library Complex at 203 S. Greensboro St. in Carrboro.
Orange County's emergency shelter at Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill will close at 7pm Saturday, July 12. If you have general questions about the shelter, call 919-245-6111.
Orange County Public Transportation is providing transportation assistance to shelters. Call (919) 245-2004 if you need a ride.
If you are experiencing flooding or drainage issues in Durham County, call the stormwater hotline for any non-emergency concerns at (919) 560-7008.
There is a boil water notice for the Town of Hillsborough as of Monday. Boil water for drinking, cooking or toothbrushing until further notice. Conserve water by not washing clothes or dishes or running water unless necessary. The Town of Hillsborough will have a limited supply of water until the river recedes, the facilities can be sanitized, and the drinking water can be processed to refill the clear well and water tanks.
Donation sites
Saxapahaw Forward will donate 100% of your contribution directly to supporting recovery efforts for the community of Saxapahaw following the recent flooding from Chantal.
Triangle Mutual Aid has an ongoing Google Document that continually updates shelter, water, food donations and more resources. Be sure to call and verify each site to know if they are continuing to offer their resources.
Bring donations in Raleigh to 415 Hillsborough Street.
Bring donations in Durham to 2823 N Roxboro Street.
Bring donations in Saxapahaw to Cup 22 Coffee House at 1711 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road, Graham, NC 27253.
Donations include, but are not limited to:
- Non-perishable foods
- Cleaning supplies
- Tarps, tools, buckets
- Water
- Fans, pressure washers, shop vacuums, dehumidifiers
For those interested in helping through charitable contributions, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Eastern Carolinas offers five tips to keep in mind for supporting flood victims:
- Cautions with donating goods. Donating clothing, food or other in-kind donations may not be the best way to help unless the charity has the ability to properly distribute such aid. Ask about their transportation and distribution plans.
- Find out what needs the charity is addressing. Many individuals and families in impacted areas will seek safety in shelters and need access to food and water. Charities focused on such activities serve a vital role in helping communities address natural disasters.
- Consider crowdfunding requests. If engaging in crowdfunding, it is safest to give to someone you personally know and trust. Also review the platform’s policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take significant measures to vet posts, others don’t.
- Recognize the phases of disaster relief. While much of the attention focuses on the first 72 hours after a disaster, charities provide vital support well beyond that period. From immediate aid to long-term recovery and preparedness, your contributions help at every stage of rebuilding. Learn more on our disaster relief and preparedness cause page.
- Verify the charity’s trustworthiness. Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. We recommend giving to charities that meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability found at Give.org. On Give.org we invite you to browse our A-Z list of national charities, and search thousands of charity reports while filtering charities by state, cause area, and accreditation status.
The BBB also advises visiting Give.org for more information on reputable charities where you can donate.
Who to contact for helping flooding issues, per the NC Department of Environmental Quality
- Stormwater systems are maintained by a local government, NCDOT, private citizens, businesses, or Homeowners Associations, depending on where they are located. For flooding on your property, contact your local government.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has a full general list of what to know after severe weather or other disasters have occurred.
To know what roads are closed and which to avoid, visit NCDOT.gov.