Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse Steps Up as Biden Declines Additional Aid for Helene Survivors

When Hurricane Helene struck Florida, it spanned 400 miles in width, causing widespread destruction. Though the storm has since weakened to a tropical storm, the damage it left behind remains severe.

Now, imagine being in the midst of this catastrophe, only to hear your president essentially say, "We’ve given all that we can in relief funds."

This comes despite the billions of dollars sent overseas to Ukraine and allocated to illegal immigrants crossing the southern border.

That is the message President Joe Biden essentially conveyed to Americans grappling with the aftermath, as noted on X. For residents of places like Valdosta, Georgia; Perry, Florida; Tampa, Florida; Boone, North Carolina, and Asheville, North Carolina, among others, it seems they may have to seek help elsewhere.

When asked, "Do you have any words to the victims of the hurricane?" in a now-viral clip, Biden responded, "We’ve given everything that we have."

The follow-up question, "Are there any more resources the federal government could be giving them?" was met with a curt, "No."

This gives the impression that "going above and beyond" applies to everyone but American citizens in need. Biden’s response offered little hope to those facing the destruction left in Helene’s wake.

There was no sense of leadership in his words, and it almost felt like he was saying, "I feel for ya, buddy, but you’re on your own. Here’s a few bucks to help."

If Biden needed guidance, he could have looked to Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan’s Purse. Graham, son of the late Reverend Billy Graham, quickly mobilized his organization, which has spent 54 years aiding those in crises, to assist in the aftermath of Helene.

According to Inc. magazine, the financial devastation caused by the storm is estimated between $95 and $110 billion. However, it’s not just financial aid that people need—they need hands-on help. They need life-saving services and the spiritual comfort that prayer can provide as they try to figure out how to rebuild their lives with what remains.

While Biden didn’t take significant action, Samaritan’s Purse did.

“As we continue to pray for all those impacted by Hurricane Helene, we are thankful that the Lord has equipped us to begin serving our local neighbors in Western North Carolina,” the organization posted on X. They provided critical resources, stating:

• "We are actively setting up an oxygen production clinic for those who are unable to generate oxygen at home due to power outages"
• "If you are a homeowner in need of assistance please call our local Hurricane Helene damage assessment team at 1-833-747-1234"
• "If you would like to speak or pray with someone right now, please call our @Bgea prayer line at 888-388-2683 to pray with one of our prayer partners"
• "Please continue checking SamaritansPurse.org and our social media accounts for updates"

Their message was clear: "We see you, and we are in this with you."

It comes as no surprise that a Christian organization has already done more for the people in need than their own government.

Thank God for Samaritan’s Purse. In a statement, the organization expressed its gratitude to begin helping the community of Boone, North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit areas, stating, “We are thankful that the Lord has equipped us to begin serving our local neighbors.”

For voters still undecided, Biden’s lack of action in this disaster should serve as a glaring example of the administration’s failures. With Vice President Kamala Harris poised to continue the same policies, Americans could face higher taxes on their unrealized gains, limiting their ability to contribute to organizations like Samaritan’s Purse.

And if that happens, who will step up to help in times of dire need?