TURKEY — Samaritan’s Purse has distributed over 3,500 tents and hygiene kits to families in Turkey whose homes were badly damaged or destroyed when devastating earthquakes struck the region.

Fatma Daglen – Beneficiary:

Life is very hard for us right now because most of Hatay has been destroyed in the earthquake. The working conditions have become harder and harder.

Paul Anderson – Samaritan’s Purse:

We’re in southern Turkey in response to the earthquake that came through this, devastated this region. We have distributed over 3,500 tents so far this year. Most of these residents are afraid to go into the homes because they’re afraid the buildings will collapse. So they’re sleeping on the ground or in makeshift tents.

Fatma:

Before the tents we had two main problems–the first was the cold and the second is disease, especially for the children. Once we received the tents, the problem of the cold was resolved, but  there are still diseases among the children within the camp. 

Jessica Burger – Samaritan’s Purse:

Samaritan’s Purse is able to provide each household that we’re able to give a tent to also with a hygiene kit. People in this area are without basic household and hygiene necessities. This causes increased risk for disease, exposure to the elements, and other things like that.

Fatma:

The boxes we received have shampoo, toothbrushes, lights for the tent–we can charge our phones with the light too–as well as hand soap and hand sanitizer to help with disease. Tents are our home now so we are very happy to have them. The nights are very cold and now we have a place to be warm. 

Paul:

Samaritan’s Purse responds to disasters throughout the world. We are here to serve the people in Jesus’ name.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

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