Samaritan's Purse volunteers pitch in to help Michigan residents after flooding

(FOX 2) - Shaunda Miller from Ecorse was one of thousands of Metro Detroit homeowners hit by last week’s flooding, but now she is getting a helping hand. 

Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian international disaster relief organization, is cleaning up flooding basements in communities like Ecorse, Dearborn Heights, downriver and Southwest Detroit.

Volunteers from across the country are tearing out carpeting, furniture. They’re sanitizing walls and floors, all for free of charge. 

“It may be hard to understand, but it’s actually privilege to be able to help people when they’re going through a difficult time like this,” said homeowner Patti Higgins. 

The Samaritan’s Purse crew has been in town since Sunday. They set up a command center at Family Christian Church in Ecorse. 

“The volunteers that have come here from all over the country, they have actually paid their way to come here and they’re not getting paid to do this,” said Eric Cedo of Family Christian Church.

“We’re talking people who are driving here to give to other people within our community and they’re sleeping on the floor in their church,” said Ecorse city administrator Richard Marsh. 

The widespread flooding prompted Governor Whitmer to declare a state of emergency in Wayne County. 
About 3,000 homes have been damaged. 

Samaritan’s Purse cleaned out about 155 flood damaged basements in Ecorse so far, leaving homeowners with a lighter load and a parting gift. 

“They gave me this bible as a gift and in it had everyone’s name who took time to come help me out,” Miller said.

Samaritan’s Purse planned to be here for a week, but are now staying till at least June 1. 

If you live in one of the communities they are serving and need help, click here.