Podcast Summary: On The Homefront with Jeff Duden

Episode: Franklin Graham on Hurricane Relief: Carrying Billy Graham’s Legacy Forward | #119
Release Date: October 29, 2024
Host: Jeff Duden
Guest: Reverend Franklin Graham, Leader of Samaritan’s Purse

Introduction

In episode #119 of On The Homefront, host Jeff Duden welcomes Reverend Franklin Graham, the son of the renowned evangelist Billy Graham and the driving force behind Samaritan’s Purse. The conversation centers around the ongoing recovery efforts in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Reverend Graham shares insights into the challenges faced by affected communities and the vital role Samaritan’s Purse plays in disaster relief.

Impact of Hurricane Helene

Jeff Duden opens the discussion by highlighting the severe aftermath of Hurricane Helene, emphasizing the ongoing struggles of families lacking essential resources. He notes, "The recovery from Hurricane Helene is far from over, and many families are still struggling without essentials such as food, water, and medical care. For some, it might take years to rebuild and return to their homes" (00:00).

Franklin Graham elaborates on the extensive needs, mentioning the lack of electricity and the urgent requirement for generators and fuel: "The people that don't have electricity, it would be generators and fuel. That's a big thing" (02:19). He also discusses the plight of residents in mobile homes along the Swannøy River, many of whom have lost their homes and lack the means to rebuild.

Samaritan’s Purse Response and Ongoing Efforts

Reverend Graham details the multifaceted approach Samaritan’s Purse is undertaking in the region:

• Immediate Needs: Providing generators, fuel, and essential supplies to those without electricity.
• Housing Assistance: Rebuilding destroyed homes, offering trailers to those without insurance, and coordinating with local families for temporary housing solutions.
• Volunteer Mobilization: Emphasizing the critical need for volunteers to assist in debris removal, house clean-ups, and other recovery tasks. "We need teams of volunteers, and we're going to need that for months to come" (02:19).

He underscores the long-term commitment required for full recovery: "We were estimating at least three to four years. Okay. It's not a six month deal for us. This is a long term and we're here to help people recover" (06:55).

How the Community Can Help

Jeff Duden encourages listeners to support the relief efforts through donations and volunteer work. He announces an additional $10,000 donation commitment from himself and Franklin Graham, with ongoing monthly contributions until the communities are stabilized. "I encourage you to join us by supporting samaritan'spurse@samaritanspurse.org or even volunteering alongside of us" (01:24).

Franklin Graham provides specific guidance on how individuals can contribute effectively:

• Donations: Prioritizing essentials like bottled water and new clothing items. "Bottled water for drinking is, I think, is probably an ample supply of that... if a manufacturer wanted to give 30,000 or 20,000 jackets or something like that, that would be huge and that would be a great help" (05:01).
• Volunteering: Directing volunteers to visit samaritan.org and select the Helene relief option. He highlights the diversity of tasks volunteers can undertake, ensuring that there are roles suited for everyone’s abilities: "There's something that all of us can do, no question about. There's plenty for everybody to do" (06:07).

Jeff also shares that Homefront Brands is organizing volunteer trips from Huntersville, NC, to assist on-site, encouraging community members to contribute their time and energy alongside financial donations.

Personal Commitment and Legacy

The conversation delves into the personal motivations driving both Jeff Duden and Reverend Franklin Graham. Both share a deep connection to Appalachian State University and a commitment to serving their community. Franklin Graham reflects on his long-term dedication to disaster response: "I was in a business where I responded to disasters for 25 years, and it was never lost upon me that it was neighbors helping neighbors" (03:26).

Jeff and Franklin express mutual gratitude for their collaborative efforts and reaffirm their ongoing support for the affected communities. Their shared background fosters a strong partnership aimed at effective and compassionate disaster relief.

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

In conclusion, Jeff Duden reiterates the critical nature of sustained support for the recovery efforts in western North Carolina. He encourages listeners to make recurring donations of any amount and to participate in volunteer opportunities: "A recurring monthly donation, no matter what the amount is, can make a lasting difference as the need will extend far beyond the initial recovery phase" (09:08).

Reverend Franklin Graham echoes this sentiment, urging the audience to join in providing both financial and hands-on assistance to bring relief and hope to those in need.

How to Get Involved

• Donate: Visit samaritanspurse.org and navigate to the Helene relief section to make a contribution.
• Volunteer: Organize a trip with Homefront Brands by emailing podcast.homefrontbrands.com or contacting Jeff Duden via Instagram @JeffDuden.
• Support: Offer time, energy, and presence to aid in the recovery efforts alongside financial donations.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeff Duden (00:00): "The recovery from Hurricane Helene is far from over, and many families are still struggling without essentials such as food, water, and medical care."
• Franklin Graham (02:19): "The people that don't have electricity, it would be generators and fuel. That's a big thing."
• Franklin Graham (05:01): "Bottled water for drinking is, I think, is probably an ample supply of that... if a manufacturer wanted to give 30,000 or 20,000 jackets or something like that, that would be huge and that would be a great help."
• Reverend Franklin Graham (06:55): "We were estimating at least three to four years. Okay. It's not a six month deal for us. This is a long term and we're here to help people recover."

Stay Connected:

For ongoing updates and ways to support, visit podcast.homefrontbrands.com and follow Jeff Duden on Instagram @JeffDuden.

This summary captures the essence of the conversation between Jeff Duden and Reverend Franklin Graham, providing listeners and readers with a comprehensive understanding of the hurricane relief efforts and how they can contribute to rebuilding western North Carolina.