Durham Housing Authority evacuated close to 900 people in early January after they detected unsafe conditions at McDougald Terrace.
Even with safe lodging and help buying food, families uprooted from their homes have much to adjust to. Many are staying in single rooms with no kitchens to cook meals. Some have lost proximity to child care and transportation to jobs.
Like many in her situation, Shimey Harvey is eager to get her son back to a safer McDougald Terrace. Reporter Cameron Beach describes how Harvey copes with an unwelcome challenge.
At top: Shimey Harvey checks on her and her son’s apartment at McDougald Terrace. Photo by Corey Pilson