DURHAM, N.C. -- Contractors arrived Monday to make repairs at the McDougald Terrace housing complex.

They will repair and replace hundreds of appliances that once emitted carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide emission forced the Durham Housing Authority to evacuate hundreds of families to hotels more than three weeks ago.

Crews spent Monday unloading and installing new furnaces. They will also repair water heaters and replace gas stoves with electrical units. Housing leaders expect displaced tenants to stay in their hotels through February 7.

"It's a long time coming. They should've been doing this," said tenant Christopher Butler, who didn't have to evacuate his home.

The DHA will give a progress report on repairs Tuesday afternoon.