U.S. DISASTER RELIEF
Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes staff and equipment and enlists thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters in the United States. After the initial response, Samaritan’s Purse often stays behind to rebuild and restore houses for needy families.
OVERVIEW:
The Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief team maintains a constant state of readiness—monitoring the weather conditions around the nation in order to respond at a moment’s notice to help victims of natural disasters. Samaritan’s Purse North American Ministries is based in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. At this location, staff members maintain a fleet of disaster response vehicles, including five tractor-trailers that are stocked with heavy-duty tarps, generators, chain-saws, and other tools to aid in cleanup efforts. These Disaster Relief Units also serve as the local command centers for Samaritan’s Purse recovery efforts.
DEPLOYMENTS:
Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief always partners with a local church in the disaster area. From this location, Samaritan’s Purse is able to set up a command center, mobilize volunteers, and serve the community in need. Once on the ground, Samaritan’s Purse assessment teams begin canvassing hard-hit neighborhoods and talking with storm victims to let them know that help is available. Samaritan’s Purse and its army of volunteers work to help families recover after the storm. Depending on the nature of the disaster, volunteers will tear out damaged drywall, remove flooring, tarp roofs, remove debris, or help homeowners salvage personal belongings. The disaster relief teams are made up of staff and volunteers. Many of the volunteers have received classroom and hands-on training, and travel all over the U.S. with Samaritan’s Purse to help homeowners impacted by natural disasters. Since 1998, Samaritan’s Purse has responded to 179 domestic disasters in 35 states, helping nearly 32,000 families. Last year, 8,692 volunteers served more than 194,000 hours with Samaritan’s Purse, helping nearly 1,400 families recover from a disaster.