Eighteen families in Knott County, Kentucky, are celebrating a life-changing event as they receive brand-new homes three years after catastrophic flooding devastated the region. The flooding in 2022 resulted in the loss of over 40 lives and destroyed numerous communities. On December 15, 2023, Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian international disaster relief organization, dedicated these homes, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing recovery of the affected areas.
The dedication ceremony took place in the Chestnut Ridge neighborhood, where volunteers handed keys to thirteen families impacted by the flood. An additional five families are set to move into their new residences the following week. Since the disaster, Samaritan’s Purse has been actively involved in the recovery efforts, assisting over 600 families in restoring their homes.
Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “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.” The newly built homes are situated on higher ground, fully furnished, and provided at no cost to the families, thanks in part to generous contributions from local donors, including the Craft family.
For many residents, the presence of new appliances symbolizes a profound relief. One of the recipients, Paul Johnson, expressed his excitement while showing a reporter around his new home. “This is the laundry room with washer and dryer; I’m so excited about that. No more laundromat,” he said.
Johnson, who lived in a camper for three years after the flood, faced numerous challenges during his recovery. He and his mother, Joyce Johnson, escaped their flooded home but struggled to regain stability. Paul mentioned that losing permanent housing also affected his eligibility for a lung transplant, as he was removed from the waiting list due to his unstable housing situation.
“This home means far more than shelter. It represents stability, dignity, and a chance to get back on the transplant list,” he stated. Reflecting on the new beginning, he remarked, “This exceeds anything I expected. It’s really beautiful.”
With the holiday season approaching, the phrase “home for the holidays” resonates deeply for these families. “I’m blessed, I’m excited, and I hope this will be a new start for me and my momma,” Johnson added, underscoring the emotional significance of this milestone.
As Eastern Kentucky continues to recover from the devastating floods, this initiative by Samaritan’s Purse not only provides physical shelter but also instills a renewed sense of hope and community resilience among its residents.
