Volunteers from Samaritan’s Purse are on the ground in Kentucky after heavy rains brought devastating flooding to hundreds of homes. Relief teams have made their way to Breathitt County and Floyd County in Kentucky as well as St. Louis County in Missouri prepared to provide aid and emotional support to those who have been displaced or lost loved ones. Samaritan’s Purse has sent two Disaster Relief Units including tractor trailers filled with equipment and supplies with their relief specialists. They have also deployed the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains “offering residents spiritual encouragement and emotional support.”
Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham asked for people’s prayers writing on Facebook, “Pray for our teams as they respond. Pray especially for those who lost everything, including loved ones.” According to Samaritan’s Purse, this is not their first time responding to crises in Kentucky having been to Breathitt County in 2021 due to flooding where they remained through 2022 working on a rebuilding project.
In addition to Samaritan’s Purse, other organizations have also sent relief units to Kentucky. According to Southern Living the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has set up emergency relief grants for individuals and families in need, beginning with those who have been displaced from their homes. The organization is also working on plans to help farmers recover through the Community Farm Alliance as well as plans to help small businesses get back on their feet. Additionally, the LEE Initiative, a Kentucky-based nonprofit, has already pledged $15,000 to relief efforts at CANE Kitchen in Whitesburg which has begun feeding first responders, and they are continuing to raise money to get more meals and water to those affected. Mercy Chefs and Operation BBQ Relief are two organizations who have also rushed to Kentucky to give the people affected and working there hot meals.
In the aftermath of such devastating flooding, those who have wasted no time getting to the people affected by it are bringing with them relief, hope, and faith. As many residents have lost their homes, with some even losing loved ones, their needs continue to increase as they face hardships that continue to build. With all emergency relief teams and humanitarian assistance teams prepared to clean, recover, speak with and feed those in need, the people of Kentucky are reminded that there is nothing that will stop compassionate people from immediately getting to those who need love, kindness, and faith the most.