As the 2019 hurricane season approaches, Samaritan’s Purse continues to help families recover from last year’s storms. The international Christian relief organization is providing long-term aid to families affected by Hurricanes Florence and Michael in four areas—New Bern and Whiteville/Lumberton, North Carolina; Horry County, South Carolina; and Panama City, Florida.
“Months after the hurricanes hit, families are still suffering. Samaritan’s Purse has been on the ground since the beginning, and we are prepared to stay until these communities are restored,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. “We want to give them a fresh start by rebuilding homes and reminding them of the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”
Samaritan’s Purse is mobilizing an army of volunteers to rebuild homes from the ground up and provide major repairs. The organization will also replace 120 manufactured homes for families. In total, Samaritan’s Purse plans to help more than 310 families return home.
“Samaritan’s Purse is committed to helping families get back on their feet, and we recognize that this can’t be done in a few weeks or months,” said Luther Harrison, vice president of North American Ministries for Samaritan’s Purse. “Recovery from storms like Hurricanes Florence and Michael takes years. That’s why Samaritan’s Purse is helping hundreds of affected families repair and rebuild their homes.”
Media Opportunities Interview Luther Harrison, vice president of North American Ministries for Samaritan’s Purse Interview Bruce Poss, director of North American Ministries for Samaritan’s Purse Interview Brent Graybeal, manager of U.S. Recovery and Development of North American Ministries for Samaritan’s Purse Interview project staff on the ground in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. Join a team of volunteers at a worksite for photo and b-roll opportunitiesIn the months immediately following Hurricanes Florence and Michael, the N.C.-based organization helped more than 4,200 families mud-out their homes, remove downed trees, clear debris and tarp roofs.
Samaritan’s Purse continues to operate rebuild projects in Rockport and Pearland, Texas, after Hurricane Harvey, with a goal of helping 1,000 families return home through rebuilds, repairs and manufactured home replacement. In addition, the organization is replacing up to 50 manufactured homes in Paradise, California, after the Camp Fire and 50 manufactured homes in Lee County, Alabama, following deadly tornadoes.
Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan’s Purse responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations—especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.