UMCOR’s response to the crisis in Ukraine
Since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has acted on behalf of The United Methodist Church to provide aid and assistance. Grants for immediate relief have been given to trusted partners – United Methodist churches in surrounding countries, ecumenical partners and non-governmental organizations – to provide direct aid inside Ukraine as well as help for those who have fled to surrounding countries.
As the conflict continues, UMCOR will be there, faithfully working on your behalf to bring hope and healing to the people of Ukraine. UMCOR’s work in Ukraine is funded with gifts to Advance #982450, International Disaster Response and Recovery. 100% of donations to UMCOR goes to its intended purpose.
Watch the video below to learn more about UMCOR’s response.
Donations to UMCOR’s Ukraine response so far:
- More than $28 million USD raised to date from individuals and churches,
- Nearly $19.5 million USD in support approved or in process for the people of Ukraine, and
- An estimated nearly 446,000 Ukrainians helped.
Range of support
- Transportation, food, water, clothing, medication, and safe shelters for displaced families, women, children and those with disabilities;
- Protection for conflict-affected people in Ukraine as well as support for refugees in Hungary, Poland, and Romania to prevent human trafficking and create secure shelters.
- Urgently needed medical supplies to hospitals to help doctors and nurses care for the sick and injured;
- Legal assistance, counseling and social support for those who have lost their homes, belongings and livelihoods;
- Winterization and repairs at shelters, as well as construction on longer-term lodging for those displaced by the war;
- Repairs on homes as people return to communities impacted by months of warfare, and;
- Explosive removal and mine education throughout the country to reduce risks to those returning to their homes and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Updated as of August 29th*)
How is the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) responding?
UMCOR’s work in Ukraine is funded with gifts to Advance #982450, International Disaster Response and Recovery. Grants have been given to United Methodist partners to provide direct aid inside Ukraine as well as to support those who have fled the violence beyond Ukraine. UMCOR is working through Methodist churches in neighboring nations and with trusted partners like ACT Alliance, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and Human Rights League. Grants provide transportation assistance; humanitarian supplies such as food, water, clothing and shelter; medication and medical supplies; legal services; and safe spaces for families, women, children and those with disabilities. UMCOR is in continuous dialogue with UMC entities and other partners throughout Europe to identify additional ways to assist. Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to respond in the months and years ahead.
How can I support those still in Ukraine and those fleeing the violence?
Gifts to support those who remain in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighboring nations can be made in the following ways:
- Online at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450
- By toll-free telephone call: 1-888-252-6174
- By check made out to Global Ministries/UMCOR with “Advance #982450-Ukraine” written on the memo line and mailed to Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087-9068
- By check made out to Global Ministries/UMCOR with “Advance #982450-Ukraine” written on the memo line and given to any United Methodist church
Does UMCOR send kits and other supplies?
UMCOR does not ship relief kits or other supplies internationally. While the need is great and it is tempting to assist by shipping clothes, shoes and diapers, the cost is high. Instead, we encourage you to help us assist our partners in securing supplies in Europe. This is less costly than shipping supplies, helps local economies and ensures that materials received are the materials needed at any given time. Your gift will allow us to procure materials and supplies locally.
Can I volunteer?
Thank you for your willingness to serve. UMCOR does not recruit international volunteers to assist in emergencies globally. Instead, we work with partners who employ people or recruit volunteers locally.
Our church wants to have a direct relationship with a UMC congregation in Ukraine or Eastern Europe. Can you provide us with contact information?
As a general best practice, Global Ministries does not refer people to our partners on the ground during a disaster because they are busy responding to the crisis at hand. We do facilitate mission partnerships with churches around the world through the In Mission Together (IMT) program. To learn more about the IMT networks in Eurasia, search for “In Mission Together” on our website. Staff of Global Ministries and UMCOR are open to speaking with congregations, mission committees and other groups about our work, virtually or in-person.
Is The United Methodist Church active in Ukraine? In Russia? In surrounding regions?
Ukraine covers over 233,000 square miles, extending from the borders of Poland and Romania to the west, bordering Russia on the east and south and touching on Russia and Belarus on the north. The majority of the Ukrainian population—more than 40 million people— is affiliated with Eastern Orthodox Christianity, through both the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Roman Catholics, Muslims, Jews and Protestants are a small minority of the population. The UMC expanded in Eastern Europe following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989. New United Methodist congregations and student ministries emerged, assisted by missionaries, mission volunteers and teams. Although Ukraine declared its independence from Russia in 1991, relations have not been easy. In 2014, networks in Eurasia, visit umcmission.org and search for In Mission Together. Staff of Global Ministries and UMCOR are open to speaking with congregations, mission committees and other groups about our work, virtually or in-person. for example, Russia seized and annexed Crimea, resulting in the loss of five Ukrainian UMC congregations which were transferred to the South Russia Annual Conference. Now there are 10 United Methodist Churches in Ukraine, strategically located in larger cities, with a combined membership of approximately 500 people. The Ukrainian-Moldova Provisional Annual Conference is now part of the Nordic, Baltic and Ukraine Episcopal Area, led by Bishop Christian Alsted. There are three other episcopal areas in Europe: Central and Southern Europe Area (Bishop Stefan Zürcher); German Area (Bishop Harald Rückert); and Eurasia Area (Bishop Eduard Khegay.) All of these episcopal areas are welcoming refugees from Ukraine.
What prayer can I lift up for the people of Ukraine?
This intercessory prayer was written for World Day of Prayer by the women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, on February 25, 2022:
God of the past, the present and the future,
Our thoughts and prayers are with our sisters and brothers in Ukraine and the surrounding countries in their fear and distress.
We pray too for all other regions of the world where there is conflict, unrest or oppression.
We pray that reconciliation will overcome hatred, peace will conquer war, hope will replace despair and that your plans for the region will be fulfilled,
God, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
As the war in Ukraine continues, UMCOR works with the Mines Advisory Group to save lives at risk of injury and death from unexploded ordnance.
UMCOR supports earthquake survivors with food, hygiene items, rental assistance, solar lanterns and psychosocial care.
As displaced people accept long-term evacuation from their hometowns, more shelters, jobs and removal of unexploded weapons become primary concerns.