Amid hugs, memories, and words of gratitude, the residents of Chatham Estates said their goodbyes on June 14, just weeks before having to leave the mobile home park where around 140 families had built their lives over the years.
The park's closure, following the sale of the land to the developer Toll BrothersThis triggered a gradual displacement process in which residents have until June 30 to vacate the property.
Some families have already moved; others continue packing or looking for alternatives in a region where the affordable housing is becoming increasingly scarce.
The special farewell service on Sunday was a collective space to name three feelings that marked the day: grief, gratitude, and hope.
A closing of a cycle marked by grief
“We are losing a community that has been built up over years,” Pastor Edith Salazar told Enlace Latino NC “We have cried here, children have been born here, we have celebrated here, we have fought for justice. There is a shared experience, a history.”
Salazar explained that many families go through a grief that is not always immediately recognized, losing not only homes, but also a social fabric built over decades.
“It’s sad, it’s painful, because we are losing a community,” he said.
Related: Chatham Estates residents raise their voices against imminent eviction in Cary
Emidia Roblero recounted the impact of displacement on her daily life, especially on her children's education and family stability.
“My children would tell me, ‘Mom, we’re suffering.’ And yes, that hurt me,” she said to the other residents. “I would tell them, ‘Keep fighting.’”
Roblero explained that, although many people try to appear strong during the moving process, the emotional pain of displacement It is not always recognized or openly expressed. Especially, she said, when families are focused on resolving immediate needs such as school, work, and housing.
Between gratitude and mixed feelings
For Cristina, a resident for approximately 20 years, the farewell was marked by mixed emotions.
“I feel sad and happy at the same time,” she said. Enlace Latino NC “I’m happy because I got to see my old neighbors and because we have a place to go. We’re not on the street anymore.”
Angelica Gonzalez, for her part, said that the most difficult thing will be losing the daily closeness between neighbors.
“I’m going to miss feeling like I’m with family,” she said. “Even though it was really hot, we didn’t care as long as we were talking.”
However, he expressed gratitude for the time spent in this community, which allowed him to create lasting connections and friendships.
Community support and collective action
Katia Roebuck, community organizer of North Carolina Congress of Latino OrganizationsHe highlighted the role of the residents' organization in defending their rights and creating institutional responses.
“The families raised their voices. They decided to take control and take the reins of the situation,” he told Enlace Latino NC.
That process contributed to local initiatives providing economic support for relocation, such as Stables Homes Cary.
The municipal program called Stables Homes Cary is administered by Neighbor Upformerly known as Dorcas Ministries. The organization offers assistance with deposits, initial rent, and other moving costs, said Ande Curry, the organization's senior director of community services.
Related: Displaced by luxury housing developer Toll Brothers, Chatham Estates residents demand compensation
Faith, resilience, and hope for the future
Pastor Salazar emphasized that the meeting was also a space to acknowledge grief as part of the transition process.
“After grieving and acknowledging our emotions, there is hope,” he told Enlace Latino NC “God is faithful.”
Although many families have already found new homes and others continue in transition, the final message of the meeting was one of continuity beyond the physical place.
“We are still a community,” Salazar concluded. “Because what is built cannot be destroyed.”
PODCAST
After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
🎧 In this episode, learn how Latino organizations transformed crisis into resilience.
▶️Press play to listen!
Republish our stories for free on your website or newspaper. We follow the Creative Commons license. Click the box and follow the instructions.
