As Hurricane Matthew bears down on Haiti and The Caribbean, Franklin Graham announces that one of the world’s fastest responding disaster relief organisations is already on the ground.
Samaritan’s Purse, headed up by Graham, is often first on the scene when it comes to natural disasters, with their own warehouses and DC-8 plane they can be responding to a disaster within hours. Their objective is to meet the spiritual and physical needs of those affected by disasters, responding in Jesus’ name.

Already operating in Haiti, Samaritan’s Purse has positioned shelter supplies on the ground in addition to other supplies close by in warehouses in North Carolina and Florida.
Chris Blackham, Head of Programmes and Projects at Samaritan’s Purse outlined the situation.

“Hurricane Matthew has seen sustained winds of up to 140mph, covering an incredibly wide area stretching over 185 miles. Whilst we are still assessing the damage it’s clear Matthew has delivered a potentially catastrophic strike to an already struggling nation”

“Samaritan’s Purse is well positioned to respond, with teams on the ground since the earthquake and supplies already positioned. Right now we are encouraging Christians around the world to lift up this vulnerable nation and the whole Caribbean in their prayers”.

Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief work in Haiti began in 2010 in response to the devastating 7.0 earthquake. Following the disaster, the focus was on meeting critical needs with emergency relief supplies, shelters, water / sanitation facilities and medical care. Haiti remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and is still in need of vital support. Around a third of its population is under the age of 14.

Blackham continued “We’ve a real heart for this nation at Samaritan’s Purse. It’s a very young population and they’ve had more than its fair share of difficulties. For a decade our supporters have enabled us to show the tangible love of God in Haiti. We’ve built strong relationships with the churches in the country and we can assure people we’ll be there in the aftermath of Matthew”

Samaritan’s Purse has a been working in Haiti since 1996. Over 780,000 children there have received a shoebox gift through Operation Christmas Child. It’s Greatest Journey course has seen thousands of children’s lives transformed and churches across the nation have been resourced and supported through the programme.

You can find out more about the response to Hurricane Matthew, and Samaritan’s Purse’s disaster response programmes by visiting our website.

Editors Notes
Samaritan’s Purse is an international disaster relief organisation led by Franklin Graham. Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution.

For more information and interview opportunities
David Taylor
Press and Media Officer
07825 056 426
david.taylor@samaritans-purse.org.uk