Samaritan's Purse

Samaritan's Purse is a Christian non-governmental organization that provides emergency relief and development assistance to vulnerable populations around the world, often in partnership with World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, and International Committee of the Red Cross. Founded by Bob Pierce in 1970, the organization is headquartered in Boone, North Carolina, and is led by Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham. Samaritan's Purse has worked in over 100 countries, including Haiti, Sudan, and Afghanistan, and has provided aid in response to natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and 2010 Haiti earthquake. The organization has also worked with other humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam International.

● History

The history of Samaritan's Purse began in 1970, when Bob Pierce founded the organization with the goal of providing emergency relief to vulnerable populations around the world. In the early years, the organization focused on providing aid to refugees and displaced persons in Asia and Africa, often in partnership with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and International Rescue Committee. In 1979, Franklin Graham became the president of Samaritan's Purse, and under his leadership, the organization expanded its work to include disaster relief and development projects in countries such as Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Somalia. The organization has also worked with other Christian organizations, including World Vision International and Catholic Relief Services, to provide aid to vulnerable populations.

● Organization

The organization is led by Franklin Graham, who serves as the president and CEO, and is headquartered in Boone, North Carolina. The organization has a staff of over 1,000 people, including humanitarian workers, logisticians, and administrators, who work together to provide aid to vulnerable populations around the world. Samaritan's Purse also has a network of volunteers and partners who help to implement its programs and projects, including Church World Service and Lutheran World Relief. The organization is governed by a board of directors, which includes Christian leaders such as Rick Warren and Timothy Keller, and is accredited by Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and Better Business Bureau.

● Humanitarian Work

The humanitarian work of Samaritan's Purse includes providing emergency relief to vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and epidemics. The organization has responded to disasters such as Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, often in partnership with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Food Programme. The organization also provides development assistance to vulnerable populations, including food security programs, water and sanitation projects, and healthcare services, in countries such as South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Yemen. Additionally, Samaritan's Purse operates a disaster relief unit called the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), which provides emergency relief to vulnerable populations in the aftermath of disasters, and has worked with other humanitarian organizations, including American Red Cross and Salvation Army.

● Controversies

Samaritan's Purse has been involved in several controversies over the years, including criticism of its evangelical Christian mission and its approach to humanitarian aid. Some have criticized the organization for proselytizing and attempting to convert vulnerable populations to Christianity, which has led to tensions with other humanitarian organizations, including Secular Humanist Aid, and Foundation Beyond Belief. The organization has also faced criticism for its response to disasters, including its handling of donations and its use of volunteers. Additionally, Samaritan's Purse has been criticized for its stance on LGBTQ+ rights and its decision to require volunteers to sign a statement of faith that includes a commitment to traditional Christian values, which has led to criticism from Human Rights Campaign and American Civil Liberties Union.

● Finances

The finances of Samaritan's Purse are transparent and publicly available, with the organization publishing an annual audit and financial report. The organization is funded by donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations, including Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Ford Foundation, and has a budget of over $700 million. Samaritan's Purse is also accredited by Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and Better Business Bureau, which ensures that the organization meets high standards of financial accountability and transparency. The organization has also received funding from USAID and United States Department of State for its humanitarian programs and projects, including food security programs and healthcare services. Category:Humanitarian organizations