Humanitarian aid organization Samaritan’s Purse has delivered their first mobile homes to the survivors of the deadly tornadoes that struck Mississippi in March. According to CBN News, Samaritan’s Purse had volunteers on the ground within 24 hours after the storm. The tornadoes were classified as preliminary EF-4 with wind gusts up to 200 miles per hour, and at least 25 people lost their lives. Lasting more than an hour, the tornado left behind tragic devastation, and 2,000 homes were destroyed in its 170-mile path.
Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, shared on Twitter when he arrived in Mississippi where the first of 35 mobile homes were delivered that he wanted to meet the families and dedicate the new homes to the Lord. Graham wants everyone to know God loves them and they are not forgotten.
“While we can’t make these mobile homes stormproof, we are making them safer and more durable by adding stronger roofing and floor joists, tempered glass, thicker walls, and other enhancements. We pray that these new homes are a blessing to each family and that they remind them that God loves them,” Graham added.
The homes have been given to 35 families who lost their homes and who either were underinsured or did not have insurance. According to Samaritan’s Purse, each upgraded mobile home has been built to withstand wind speeds of up to 110 miles per hour, which is significantly stronger than average mobile homes which are built for up to 70 mile per hour winds.
Graham is asking for continued prayers for the people of Mississippi and those who suffered great losses in the aftermath of the devastating tornadoes. Samaritan’s Purse is extending the mobile home replacement program to Tennessee and Arkansas where deadly tornadoes struck one week after the ones in Mississippi.