The Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development met Hurricane Helene survivors being helped by Samaritan’s Purse in western North Carolina.
Scott Turner, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, joined Samaritan’s Purse staff and volunteers in North Carolina on March 11 to see our continued Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Secretary Turner visited homeowners in Buncombe County (Asheville area) who are still suffering from the storm’s catastrophic strike.
Secretary Turner met our staff at the properties of a few of the homeowners we are helping after Hurricane Helene.
“We’re here to learn, to see what the needs are, and to work with everybody on the ground,” he said. “We will continue to be supportive and to be an encouragement to people here. The devastation is tremendous, but the resolve of the people is very encouraging.”
Secretary Turner was also joined by Will Graham, executive vice president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA); and Cissie Graham Lynch, Will’s sister and the only daughter of Franklin Graham, president and CEO of both Samaritan’s Purse and BGEA.
“We are honored that we have Secretary Turner visiting,” Lynch said. “The need in western North Carolina is still great. The people still have a long road of recovery.”
Cissie Graham Lynch and Will Graham, along with Jason Kimak, senior director of North American Ministries, met with Secretary Turner.
Secretary Turner thanked our staff and volunteers for their ongoing relief work. “Because of organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, I am very encouraged to see what will take place in the days and months ahead as they restore and rebuild and revitalize this community.”
He also expressed gratitude to local churches for coming together and serving hurting people during a time of desperation.
“When the church steps up and does what the church is supposed to do, great things happen,” he said. “In the Bible, Jesus says that He didn’t come to be served, but to serve. And that’s what you see happening here.”
Storm Survivors Share their Stories
The first homeowner who met with Secretary Turner was Thanh Bui, a child nutritionist who works with the local school system. She has lived in the Asheville area for 22 years and never experienced anything like the horrific flooding caused by Helene.
Lynch and Secretary Turner encouraged homeowner Thanh Bui.
“The water started coming through the front door, and it was coming in fast,” she said. “We had to swim out.”
The water continued invading the home until it reached the attic. Only a few of Thanh’s personal belongings were salvageable.
Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are working hard in Jesus’ Name to rebuild her home. “The Lord has been taking care of us every step of the way,” she said. “Samaritan’s Purse is a big, big help.”
Secretary Turner encouraged Thanh to continue pressing on, because “even in the midst of devastation, you still have the joy of the Lord.”
The Secretary also heard Derek Weir’s terrifying account of waking up early in the morning to the sound of water smashing against the home he lives in with his parents and brother. He couldn’t believe that the water was already up to the porch. Derek quickly woke up his family and helped them to escape before it was too late.
Derek Weir shared a terrifying account of waking up early in the morning to the sound of water smashing against his home.
“I came back the day after the storm and the mud in the house was up to my knees. I could barely walk in there,” he said.
The ceiling had collapsed into the muddy mess. Derek’s possessions were destroyed except for a few boxes of items that he quickly put on his bed before fleeing. “The bed actually floated and made it through the storm,” he said.
Our volunteers worked hard for days clearing out all the mud and debris. Now, they are repairing Derek’s house.
At the home of Atea Foster, Secretary Turner met students from Gardner-Webb University who are spending their spring break volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse. The students are helping to repair Atea’s home.
Secretary Turner met with students from Gardner-Webb University spending their spring break volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse. The students are helping to repair Atea’s home.
“Thank you for setting an example of what selflessness looks like,” Secretary Turner said to the students. “I’m really proud of you.”
Atea didn’t know where to turn for help after Helene destroyed her home and nearly all her personal belongings. She was already grieving, as her husband died just a few months before the storm hit.
“Thank you, Samaritan’s Purse. These volunteers are great people. I’ve met so many nice people from all over the country,” she said. “If it wasn’t for Samaritan’s Purse, and my family, I don’t think I would be here today.”
Atea invited Secretary Turner to sign the Bible given to her by Samaritan’s Purse. The college students, and every volunteer who has worked on her home, had signed it and left a note of encouragement.
Secretary Turner wrapped up the visit by joining staff in praying for Atea. Will Graham led the prayer:
“Lord, you’re the God of restoration. You’ve restored our souls. Now, Lord, would you restore this piece of property and make this a home once again—a home full of love and full of faith.”
Secretary Turner encouraged Atea Foster and her grandson Logan.
