Samaritan’s Purse talks long-term disaster relief following southeastern Kentucky tornadoes

LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — More than a week after devastating storms rattled communities across southern Kentucky, cleanup continues.

One organization that continues to put boots on the ground is looking to stay for the long haul.

Samaritan’s Purse Program Manager Jacob Rutz said they are working to rebuild in any way they can.

“We’ve sent out volunteer teams every day since the storm. Those teams have been doing a lot of debris pickup, debris cleanup, personal contact, recovery from the homes that have been destroyed,” he said. “So, within minutes of being in town, we had equipment rolling from our headquarters in North Carolina to respond.”

Rutz said their mission is to serve during times of disaster and heartbreak.

“Show them that they’re not alone, that people from around the country support them and love on them and just pray with them,” he added.

He said that as time goes on, they will continue to be present in the community, rebuilding lives.

“Our goal is just to be there as long as we can and really be the last on the ground if we need to, to show people that they have not been forgotten, that we are still there for them, that we will continue to be there for them until all the needs are met, that we’re able to meet,” Rutz said.