Humanitarian Relief and Recovery

Global Ministries seeks to strengthen the ability of the church and communities to respond to disasters and provide humanitarian relief both near and far. The core of this work is accomplished through disaster relief and recovery, risk-reduction programming, addressing the needs and rights of migrants worldwide and improving livelihoods and food security. The intentional care of creation and advancing environmental sustainability also reduces the impact of disaster.

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Flood relief in Mitwaba, North Katanga, DRC. Partnered with the Disasataer Management office of the North Katanga Conference, an UMCOR solidarity grant provided relief for 990 people affected by the flood consisted or flour, beans, cooking oil, salt, pots, buckets, spoons with great joy and much appreciation to UMCOR. PHOTO: NORTH KATANGA DISASTER MANAGEMENT OFFICE
International Disaster response and recovery

International disaster response and recovery works with partners around the world to provide immediate relief for food, water, shelter and other necessities as well as long-term recovery, reconstruction and risk reduction.

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BRIDGEPORT, PA “ September 2, 2021: A truck sits in floodwaters near the Schuylkill River as remnants of Hurricane Ida impacted the Mid-Atlantic region.
U.S. Disaster response and recovery

In the U.S., disaster response and recovery are accomplished in partnership with annual conferences and local partners to prepare for disasters, provide relief following a disaster and through long-term support.

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Children play at a makeshift camp in the Plaza de la República in Reynosa, Mexico. About 2,000 migrants, many from Central America, have taken up residence in the plaza, just yards away from the McAllen – Hidalgo International Bridge into the U.S. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.
Global Migration

UMCOR works with partners to examine the causes of migration and to care for refugees and migrants and the churches and networks that assist them. This includes promoting the adoption of practices that make migration safe and respect the rights and dignity of all migrants.

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Margaret Tagwira (left) and Sarudzai Mkachana check on a field of chaya plants growing in Chivi Zimbabwe. Tagwira heads Africa University’s Chaya Project, which seeks to introduce the drought resistant plant with great nutritional value in Africa. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.
Yambasu Agriculture Initiative

The Yambasu Agriculture Initiative supports episcopal areas in new agricultural projects utilizing United Methodist land holdings. The focus of the current work is in Africa and honors Bishop John K. Yambasu.

Yambasu Agriculture Initiative Details
Environmental Sustainability

Global Ministries fosters the integration of environmental sustainability into every aspect of mission through environment-focused projects, tools and leadership development. Trainings through the EarthKeepers program environmentally based projects in the United States.

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Volunteers at UMCOR Sager Brown pray the “Pallet Prayer” before loading a pallet of relief supplies ready for a disaster-affected community in the United States.
Relief Supplies

Relief supply kits help provide care for the most vulnerable during times of crisis. Discover the kinds of kits UMCOR distributes and how to assist in this ministry.

Relief supply kit details
volunteers carrying trees
Volunteers from the Wesley Foundation at Louisiana State University help remove trees that were toppled by Hurricane Laura in DeRidder, LA.
Volunteer

Global Ministries offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for those wishing to work with humanitarian relief and recovery. Find ways to volunteer with this work.

Ways to volunteer
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Read Stories of Impact

Reinvestment in Yambasu Initiative projects leads to growth

Reinvestment, a key component and goal in Yambasu Agriculture Initiative projects, is yielding fruits leading to growth and expansion across Africa.

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United Methodists killed in Congo flooding

Over 175 people died after torrential rains overflowed the Chibira River in South Kivu. Through UMCOR, local disaster management coordinators in East Congo are supporting relief efforts.

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UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grants program accepting applications for 2023

Mustard Seed Migration Grants continue 80-Year tradition of welcoming the stranger.

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