DURHAM, N.C. – Efforts continue to support residents impacted by Tropical Depression Chantal. On July 30, a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) was opened in Durham to provide in-person help with applying for disaster aid and loans, connecting with recovery agencies, and getting information on available resources. Now, individual assistance grants will be available to residents to support unmet needs such as temporary housing and rental assistance, personal property replacement, medical or dental expenses, funeral or burial expenses resulting from the emergency.

In response to the ongoing needs related to disaster response for Durham residents, the State of North Carolina has provided this additional aid to strengthen recovery operations.  Governor Josh Stein has declared a Type I State Disaster for Tropical Storm Chantal which allows North Carolina to activate state-funded individual assistance grants for people affected by the storm. To be eligible, applicants must visit one of the Disaster Recovery Centers that have been set up in impacted communities.

Individual Assistance Grants are not loans. The following is how the Individual Assistance Grants funding process will work:

• • Impacted residents in Durham can visit the Disaster Recovery Center located at the Durham County North Regional Library, 221 Milton Road. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The DRC will close on Saturday, August 30.
  • Funding will be distributed through North Carolina Emergency Management during DRC hours of operation
  • Information about Individual Assistance Grants can be accessed by contacting the North Carolina Emergency Management Individual Assistance Hotline online at ncdps.gov/Chantal or by calling 919-825-2378.

While immediate relief efforts continue, long-term recovery solutions are being considered. Recovery assistance for our residents is a top priority. The County and City of Durham are working closely with local, state, and federal partners to continue assessing the needs for Durham County and exploring additional resources to support individuals, families, and businesses affected by Tropical Depression Chantal.

Further updates will be shared via the social media channels and websites for Durham County and City,  as programs and funding become available. For general inquiries about disaster relief, contact Durham One Call at DurhamNC.gov/4888 or 919-560-1200.