Three years after catastrophic flooding devastated eastern Kentucky, resulting in the loss of more than 40 lives and widespread destruction, 18 families in Knott County are receiving new homes as part of a recovery initiative. On December 15, 2023, Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian international disaster relief organization, dedicated these homes at no cost to the families. The ceremony took place in the Chestnut Ridge neighborhood, with volunteers handing over keys to 13 families affected by the 2022 flood. An additional five families are set to move into their new residences the following week.
In the aftermath of the flood, which led to the destruction of entire communities, Samaritan’s Purse deployed a team to the region, assisting over 600 families in recovering from the disaster. Caseworkers focused on identifying recipients for the new homes, prioritizing those who were uninsured and the most vulnerable residents.
Community Impact and Personal Stories
“People here are used to being beaten down; they don’t have hope. They don’t think things can get better. This shows it can get better. Right here,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. The new homes are built on higher ground, fully furnished, and provided at no cost, thanks in part to local donors such as the Craft family. For many residents, the presence of new appliances symbolizes a significant burden lifted.
One resident, Paul Johnson, expressed his excitement during a tour of his new home, highlighting its laundry room equipped with a washer and dryer. “No more laundromat,” he said, reflecting the challenges he faced while living in a camper for the past three years. Johnson and his mother, Joyce, narrowly escaped their flooded home, a harrowing experience that marked the beginning of a difficult recovery journey.
Johnson’s struggles were compounded when he was removed from the lung transplant waiting list due to losing permanent housing. The new home represents not just shelter for him but also stability and dignity, providing a pathway to re-enter the transplant list. “This exceeds anything I expected. It’s really beautiful,” he stated, underscoring the profound impact of this new beginning.
A New Start for the Holidays
The phrase “home for the holidays” now resonates deeply for the families receiving these homes. “I’m blessed, I’m excited, and I hope this will be a new start for me and my momma,” Johnson added, highlighting the emotional significance of this moment. With the dedication of these homes, Samaritan’s Purse has made a substantial contribution to the long-term recovery efforts in eastern Kentucky, fostering hope and resilience in a community still healing from a devastating disaster.
