Watch the trip recap video here.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Turner visited North Carolina communities devastated by Hurricane Helene and discussed rebuilding efforts with community, faith and nonprofit leaders, including Samaritan’s Purse, which provides spiritual and physical aid to communities. The tour was led by the children of Franklin Graham, Will Graham and Cissie Graham, Jason Kimack, Senior Director of North American Ministries at Samaritan’s Purse, and Eric Wilkes, Executive Director of the Cove.

 
Secretary Scott Turner discusses ongoing response to Hurricane Helene

“It was an honor to welcome Secretary of HUD, Scott Turner, to the Asheville area as he met with families impacted by Hurricane Helene and saw firsthand the ongoing recovery efforts of Samaritan’s Purse and the local church. As an organization, we remain committed to serving communities throughout western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee as they rebuild, and visits like this remind families that they are not alone and have not been forgotten.” - Jason Kimak, Senior Director of North American Ministries for Samaritan’s Purse

Secretary Turner sat down with community members and listened to personal accounts of storm impact and their journey of rebuilding their homes and lives. Secretary Turner also met with college students who gave up their spring break to help a woman rebuild her home.

“The resolve and resiliency of the people I’ve met is encouraging and it helps me as a steward and servant leader of HUD. We will continue to have our feet on the ground and our hands to the plow to support and encourage the people of North Carolina.” – HUD Secretary Scott Turner

Secretary Turner joined Cissie Graham’s podcast, Fearless, to discuss his purpose, vision for HUD, and importance of the faith community in disaster recovery efforts.

 
A Viral Prayer, a Bold Mission-Inside Secretary Scott Turner’s Fight for Change (Ep. 155)

Following the tour, Secretary Turner joined a roundtable discussion hosted at GracePoint Church to hear about the critical role churches and non-profits play in disaster recovery.

“What I experienced at this roundtable and how I saw Secretary Turner serve the local community left me with hope that things are going to get better and the assurance that we are doing the right thing as a faith community.” – Rev. Canaan Chapman, Discipleship Pastor at GracePoint Church

In the News and Online

Fletcher local thankful for HUD secretary, Samaritan's Purse after Helene's destruction

“[Secretary Turner] coming, it might make a difference for all of us. I’m thankful because so many people don’t care. So many people don’t care about us here. There are so many people who are so much worse off than I am. I’m one of the lucky people.” – Atea Foster, a local of Fletcher, North Carolina.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner On The Brett Winterble Show - The Brett Winterble Show | iHeart

“Turner highlights the incredible work of organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, who are helping those in need, even in the face of personal loss. He stresses HUD's mission to assist all Americans impacted by disasters, rejecting divisive policies like DEI and advocating for a more inclusive, holistic approach to recovery. Turner concludes by encouraging unity and resilience, reaffirming that with God's grace and collective effort, the nation will overcome any adversity.”

Photography Credit: Samaritan’s Purse