Responding quickly to meet emergency needs around the world

Annual Goal: $7,000,000.00

Year to Date Gifts: $498,478.79

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) responds to dozens of unsung disasters every year. UMCOR is there even when the news cameras are not. Whether it is the South Asia tsunami or cholera in Cameroon or Ebola in West Africa, UMCOR is there: sowing seeds of hope and empowering communities to step forward to a new and better future. When a natural or human-caused disaster strikes outside of the United States, UMCOR serves as the primary channel for United Methodist assistance. This includes supports refugees fleeing disasters with food, water, hygiene and other essential nonfood supplies and temporary shelter. UMCOR cooperates with local bishops, district superintendents, and church leaders to help them develop their own response mechanisms. UMCOR trains disaster response coordinators for each district or region to: 1. Categorize disasters 2. Recognize common phases or stages of disasters 3. Balance needs vs. capacity to respond 4. Create a disaster-response plan 5. Use material resources and volunteers efficiently 6. Network with local and national partners 8. Adhere to Sphere Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response & ICRC Humanitarian Code of Conduct The coordinators use this information and training to network with other local groups and governments to respond to emergencies in their areas. This increases the capacity of local disaster response units.