International Relief Organization Aids Hurricane Irma Victims Across the Storm's Track
BOONE, N.C., Sept. 12, 2017— Samaritan’s Purse disaster response teams are helping thousands of families devastated by Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean and on the coast of Florida. The North Carolina-based organization is airlifting emergency supplies to storm-ravaged Caribbean islands, and two disaster relief units are on the way to Southwest Florida to provide aid to families reeling from the storm.
More than two dozen disaster response specialists are distributing emergency supplies to some 4,000 families in the Caribbean, including emergency shelter materials, water purification units, food, blankets and hygiene kits. The organization’s DC-8 cargo plane has already transported more than 40 tons of aid and will continue to deliver critical supplies to islands in need.
Samaritan’s Purse is also responding to help families devastated by the storm in Southwest Florida. Two Disaster Relief Units, stocked with chainsaws, generators and tools, will serve as command centers to help affected families. Teams of volunteers will help homeowners recover by tearing out damaged drywall, removing flooring, tarping roofs and clearing debris.
"Hurricane Irma leveled islands in the Caribbean and devastated the Florida coast," dijo Franklin Graham, presidente de Samaritan’s Purse. "We are taking critically needed supplies to storm survivors and coming alongside affected families. We want to meet their physical needs while showing them the love of Jesus Christ. Please pray for all those affected by this horrific storm."
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
- Luther Harrison, vice president of North American ministries for Samaritan’s Purse
- Tim Haas, manager of U.S. disaster relief for Samaritan’s Purse, on the ground in Southwest Florida
- Brock Kreitzburg, director of international disaster response units, coordinating the Caribbean response from the organization’s international headquarters
Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team will be working alongside Samaritan’s Purse in Florida to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement.
For more information about how to help or volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse, go to spvolunteer.org. Donations to help with the hurricane relief efforts can be made at samaritanspurse.org.
Samaritan's Purse has helped more than 34,000 families in 35 U.S. states following floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and ice storms. Currently, five disaster response teams are working in Texas to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, completing more than 480 requests for help in the first two weeks.
