I am a Chapel Hill local and have lived here my entire life. I did my undergraduate degree at NC State and am now continuing my education at UNC. I also walk down Franklin Street all the time, so none of this is new to me.
Over the past few months, I have seen more posts about unhoused people being aggressive, panhandling more, and even assaulting people.

I think the rise in aggression is a sign of something much bigger. It is a sign that these people and their needs are not being addressed. They are being pushed to the side until they feel like they have to become louder and more visible just to be noticed. That does not justify assaulting someone, but it helps explain why the situation may be getting worse.

UNC is a school associated with privilege. Obviously, not every student is rich, but many students have financial aid, help from their parents, or other resources that make it possible for them to live here. The unhoused population sees this. They see students moving into expensive apartments while local people are being priced out and pushed farther to the side. At least here in Chapel Hill, there are some resources available to help meet basic needs like shelter and food.

On the topic of shelters, I am honestly unsure how safe or effective the local ones are at helping the unhoused population. Whenever this topic comes up, people mention that Chapel Hill has a shelter, but I rarely see anyone discuss its effectiveness, accessibility, safety, capacity, or what happens to people after they leave. Simply having a shelter does not necessarily mean everyone can access it or that it is enough to address the larger problem.

Then I keep hearing people say, “They need to go somewhere.” But where are they supposed to go? They cannot just get into a car and move somewhere else. Many of them do not have transportation, money, family support, or another community waiting to take them. No one is going to come pick them up and bring them somewhere better.

Chapel Hill can do something, but I do not have much confidence that it will. These people were already forgotten about in the first place. It feels like the town only cares now because the problem has become more visible and is starting to affect students, businesses, and wealthier residents.

At the same time, Chapel Hill keeps building expensive housing that seems meant for students who can afford it through financial aid, family support, or both. We keep building housing that many local and working-class people cannot afford, and then we act surprised when more people are left without anywhere to live.

I do not think the answer is ignoring assaults or pretending aggressive behavior is okay. I also do not think the answer is pushing unhoused people somewhere else so that we no longer have to see them.

I am bringing this up because I see room for a real discussion about both public safety and why the situation is getting worse. I do not have an exact solution, but discussion could help find one.

Every month I host Mom’s Favorite, a free comedy show at Old North Bar in Durham. This month’s lineup is extremely fun and includes 2024 NC’s funniest winner EJ Masicampo! There’s also a hotdog cart out front that gives out one free glizzy per person and an very excellent cocktail/mocktail list put together by one of the owners who was formerly at The Crunkleton and Hawthorne and Wood. If you’re looking for a cheap date this is the show to catch!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985611713085?aff=oddtdtcreator

For context I have a middle schooler who gets excellent grades that don't seem to align with EOG testing results. I'm guessing grade inflation is driving that (test re-takes are always offered apparently) but in general I feel like we're struggling to get a foot hold anywhere in terms of how she's doing beyond those metrics. There is virtually no homework given, no projects, sometimes no tests, no parent teacher conferences or feedback and no discussion of EOG scores. Maybe I'm missing something from all the disparate apps they use? I've been "trusting the system" and have not intervened thus far but just recently realized she was never taught how to sign her name in cursive?! I asked her what books they would be reading in ELA presumably so they could discuss them and work on comprehension but apparently they all read their own books. She hasn't been taught a lot of writing fundamentals either. Math instruction has been spotty but at least that's more easily addressable.

I always hear what a great school system this is, and I want that to be true, but I'm really concerned she's not being adequately prepared for high school and (hopefully) college after. Are there any other parents that have felt this and/or navigated this with their kid? Any tips appreciated.

I'm 18, and I am looking for places that offer HRT through informed consent around Chapel Hill. I want someone who actually cares about their patients and doesn't just underdose people.

The main reason I am asking is that I have seen two people (Karen Kimel-Scott and Rita Lahlou) recommended multiple times, but the problem is that they are affiliated with UNC health. Given that UNC doesn't offer HRT to people under 19, I would assume these people wouldn't be able to help me right now. I also looked at Planned Parenthood, and I don't see any available appointments that I could go to for months, so I would prefer not to wait for that.

I also see that Avance Care has gender affirming care, but I don't know if that is a good option. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know.

Hi! This is my last year of high school which means I will no longer have access to orchestra/ violin lessons. I was hoping to continue learning after high school since I’m not at a very high level when it comes to playing.

Are there any people who are offering lessons near by?

Thanks 🙏

We are hoping to hire a regular cleaner (thinking every 2 weeks) to clean our 3 bed 2 bath house in Chapel Hill (two dogs, one toddler). We hired a cleaner back in 2022, but when our finances changed we had to stop. Back then, we paid $250 for the initial deep clean and $130 for cleanings every 2 weeks. We recently had someone out and we were quoted $350 for the deep clean, and $210 for every 2 weeks.

Two asks:

1. Would love recommendations for cleaners that you have personally used and loved.

2. Are the newer quotes consistent with prices these days? Is it feasible to find less expensive cleaning?

Thanks in advance!

I have a friend looking to move to Chapel Hill. She's having a difficult time finding an apartment with a wheelchair accessible shower that can be rolled into and has shower handles.

Is anyone familiar with apartments that meet this criteria?

I’ve lived in CH for about 3 years and finally have enough time and energy to search for an adult rec soccer league. I’m specifically looking for a scheduled league (not pickup games), paid is fine, that leans more fun than competitive — I don’t just want to goof off, but I haven’t played since middle school and am definitely rusty. I have found a few possibilities but am struggling to gauge accepted skill levels.

A friend recommended Tri Sports, but my work commute and schedule won’t allow regular travel to Raleigh. If anyone has more local (CH, Durham, or even Cary will do) recommendations that would fit, please share. Thanks in advance!

Prepare for extra traffic!

Haven't eaten there in over a month and was surprised at how small the portions were? Was this a one off or are they shrinking them universally? It wasn't a small decrease either, I'd estimate 30 to 40% smaller?

My husband and I are transitioning out of living with family as he's starting a job in Chapel Hill and I hope to obtain one soon (unsure if I'll end up in Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill for work yet). We plan to apply for housing based on his current income (1/3 of his current income will mean we aim to be at $1250/mo rent or less).

We have excellent credit, excellent rental references, and amazing pets (never any issues with them with places where we've rented; cat and a dog).

We are hoping to avoid what I've labeled as the Five Horsemen: mold, noise, bad management/landlord; bugs/rodents, and higher than typical utility bills. Ideally ground floor, could possibly work with a 2nd floor unit if needed. Don't think I could swing a 3rd or 4th floor unit if no elevator.

Please tell us if you might be able to direct us to something specific you know of that might meet our checklist. Open to Chapel Hill, Carborro, Durham, Apex, and Cary. We are hoping to move in fairly immediately if at all possible (will be arranging a temp place to stay otherwise).

I know this is probably a long shot, but...I have been humming/singing a song by a local Chapel Hill group since the 1980's but have never been able to make out all the lyrics. The song is Fakin' Dub by the Pressure Boys. I have a copy of the song, but does anyone know the lyrics or where I can find them? Online searches are no help.

Hey everyone!
I am a City and State reporter for the Daily Tar Heel. As I am sure most of you know, a G20 conference on AI will be held at the Carolina Inn on September 1st and 2nd. The conference will be hosted by US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and feature speakers like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. If you are interested in a quick, no-more-than-5-minute interview sharing how you feel about the upcoming visit, please DM me!

Hi All -

I'm Dr Ian J Palombo, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and I help dads feel less alone so they can parent more confidently. Due to popularity of my in-person support group for dads, I am starting a virtual group that will meet Tuesdays at noon.

This is an open, ongoing peer support group for any dad — new, soon-to-be, in-the-trenches, seasoned, step, guardian, whatever. If you find yourself in the paternal role in the life of a small human, you belong here.

A few practical notes:

• Meets Tuesdays - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
• Virtual - open to dads across NC
• This is not a drop-in group. Consistent attendance is required.
• $40 per group, or Aetna accepted.
• Closed Group - everyone gets a quick screening call before joining

If you're interested or have questions, happy to answer them here in the thread, DM me, or visit cedarpathnc.com. If you know a dad who might benefit, please pass this along!

Full disclosure: I run a small counseling practice in Durham (Cedarpath Counseling), so take this as me sharing a resource rather than a neutral recommendation. Mods, feel free to remove if this isn't the right fit for the sub.

Do locals have any plans that day? Edited for correction: looks like Elon will be attending the conference virtually but Sam Altman, Howard Lutnick, and Jensen Huang will be there

Looking for a store that sells septum piercings that I can peruse in person (willing to go to nearby towns under 25 min drive of CH). Specifically looking for anodized gold titanium. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it would be nice to have other options than a basic ring. DM if you have one you’d be willing to give away or sell at reasonable price. I have a nickel allergy so I can’t take risks with metal quality. Not all piercers in the area also sell jewelry especially anything other than earrings so I’m having trouble tracking this down. Open to suggestions for brands that I could purchase from online if you think I should consider otherwise.