Samaritan's Purse announced an expansion of its rebuild program to help those still affected by the devastation from Hurricane Helene.

The Boone-based Christian relief organization said that even after a year and a half after Helene devastated western North Carolina and parts of the Southeast, many families are still struggling to receive proper long-term recovery needs. 

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Samaritan's Purse stated in a press release that it will add 19 new locations across four different states to provide assistance for anything from rebuilding new homes to replacing furniture or repairing bridges. 

"There continue to be great needs as a result of Hurricane Helene, and families are still hurting. We want people to know that it isn’t too late to get help or receive a home,” said Samaritan's Purse president Franklin Graham. “If you are struggling, we want you to apply. These are not gifts from Samaritan’s Purse—these are gifts from God.”

According to the press release, Samaritan's Purse completed 26 new homes with 30 currently under construction. It also delivered more than 80 mobile homes and completed major repairs on omre than 100 houses. 

Treva Pruitt and her son, Gregory, reportedly received a brand-new home from Samaritan’s Purse in Ashe County, after Helene left their home with a water-damaged foundation and an infestation of black mold.

Without money to rebuild, Pruitt had nearly given up hope until she received a phone call from Samaritan’s Purse and learned that she was eligible to receive a home. 

“I kept telling Gregory, ‘We get to go home today,’” Pruitt told Samaritan's Purse on the day she received her keys.

Samaritan's Purse is still accepting applications for rebuilds and other long-term recovery needs in the following areas:

  • North Carolina: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties
    • Tennessee: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties
      • Florida: Perry, St. Petersburg and Tampa
        • Georgia: Valdosta