On Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, the Town of Carrboro participated in Beyond the Storm: Supporting Community Disaster Resilience and Long-Term Recovery, a statewide convening hosted by Verizon’s Responsible Business Team in Cary, N.C.
Town Manager Patrice Toney delivered remarks on behalf of Carrboro and residents impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal, highlighting both the community’s ongoing recovery and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Carrboro residents, Chea and Stan followed Toney to share their story of resilience through the storm and gratitude as recipients of Habitat for Humanity's Critical Home Repair Support, partly funded by the Town of Carrboro's Human Services Funding.
The event also brought together public officials, emergency management leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to discuss strengthening North Carolina’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery infrastructure. More than 60 volunteers joined the convening, collectively assembling 300 disaster relief kits in just one hour—demonstrating the power of coordinated community action.
“Resilience is not built in isolation,” said Town Manager Patrice Toney. “It is built through sustained partnership, shared responsibility, and the willingness of government, volunteers, nonprofit, and industry leaders to show up for communities before, during, and after a disaster. We are grateful to Verizon for creating a space for meaningful dialogue and practical solutions.”
Toney shared insights from Carrboro’s experience with Tropical Storm Chantal, emphasizing the need for equitable preparedness strategies, long-term recovery support, and infrastructure planning that reflects the realities of a changing climate.
Verizon also shared updates on their ongoing work with local partners, including Habitat for Humanity and the Coastal Carolina Disaster Resilience Agency, to support families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by severe weather events.
“Mayor Foushee and Carrboro Town Council remain committed to strengthening disaster resilience across all neighborhoods,” Toney added. “Events like this ensure that communities have the resources, relationships, and support systems necessary to recover stronger than before.”