Samaritan’s Purse is set to begin its rebuild project in Mayfield, Kentucky to replace homes that were destroyed in December’s tornadoes. According to Murray Ledger & Times, Jeff Graham, who is of no relation to Billy or Franklin Graham, is managing the program with North American ministries which enters communities after major disasters to begin rebuilding after clean up. The organization hopes to assist several hundred homeowners who lost their homes and belongings after the tornadoes devastated their community by building a 50-acre subdivision.
According to Murray Ledger & Times, “Graham said that while some former homeowners will likely move in to the subdivision, Samaritan’s Purse is primarily looking to assist residents who were renters because many of them are currently displaced and are living in motels, tiny houses or with family members because they have nowhere else to go. He said the families who lost their homes will not only get new two or three-bedroom homes – and some with four bedrooms – but they will have added protection in case of future severe weather. All the houses will have a built-in safe room,” that will be able to survive up to an EF-5 tornado. Samaritan’s Purse is also planning to supply up to 100 fiberglass, underground storm shelters to be placed in the backyards of the homes within 20-30 feet of the houses.
Graham explained that they have been working on rebuild projects like these for years, mostly in the South, and know how to best rebuild the community to be prepared should another disaster threaten their homes. Graham noted that discussions will continue regarding the rebuild program as they evaluate the needs of the community and determine what they will be able to do with the amount of funding the program receives.
Within hours of the December tornadoes that hit Kentucky, Samaritan’s Purse had sent team members to help with recovery efforts on the ground. Part of those recovery efforts, Graham shares, includes the needs that follow the clean up. After losing their homes, loved ones, and belongings, those affected by the tornadoes have many needs that the humanitarian organization is working to meet. Graham is asking that prayers continue for the people of Mayfield, Kentucky as they begin to rebuild their homes.