Almost 11 months after Tropical Storm Chantal, some Durham residents are still not able to live in their storm-damaged homes.
The July 2025 storm necessitated more than 100 water rescues by the fire department.
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According to a staff presentation at a recent City Council work session, 64 total homes were impacted: 35 in the Old Farm neighborhood, and 29 in the River Forest neighborhood.
Staff divided the homes into four categories: (1) repair and returned, (2) repairs in progress, (3) not returned, and (4) unknown.
In the Old Farm neighborhood, 5 homes were identified as “returned,” 10 in progress, 8 didn't return, and 12 unknown.
In the River Forest neighborhood, 14 homes were “returned,” 4 in progress, 1 didn't return, and 10 unknown.
Staff told council members the damage includes structural issues with foundations and crawl spaces, broken HVAC, damage to walls, floors, and appliances, and mold and indoor air quality.
"On the financial side, residents continue to report their repair costs are exceeding the available resources available to them,” Starla Tanner, Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement Department, explained. “Even when households receive insurance or assistance, those funds have not always covered the full scope of their repairs"
Staff told council members another barrier is the increase in construction and labor costs since the storm.
Multiple homes on Felicia Street are empty, with contractors still working to gut the houses.
The Rippling Stream townhome community has four buildings still closed off, with dozens of units undergoing repairs. Property managers told WRAL they hope residents can move into the units when the work is complete.
Council members expressed their disappointment with the lasting impact of the damage.
“I hear you when you talk about the folks that have done everything right,” Council Member Chelsea Cook said during the meeting. “They have insurance, they own their homes, and they are still being displaced because of this storm and the flooding, because they can't afford the upfront costs. Their insurance won't cover everything.
City leaders also emphasized the need to prepare ahead of the possibility of more storms like Chantal.
“All of this is part of a city that is an empathetic city and making sure that we're being a city that is empathetic and caring for people in their most difficult moments,” Council Member Nate Baker said. “In times of changing climate it's going to be something that we might see more of these moving forward.”