The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), a unit of Global Ministries, is reimagining its approach to disaster material resources management. This work – which includes how disaster relief supply kits for U.S. disasters are assembled, stored, and shipped – aims to increase efficiency, scalability, and responsiveness while reducing costs. UMCOR will seek an experienced logistics partner and expand collaboration with affiliate warehouses across the country, allowing for easier geographic coverage during disasters and enhanced opportunities for volunteer participation. As part of this restructuring, UMCOR will no longer operate the Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana, starting January 2027.
UMCOR will partner with an experienced logistics organization to ensure quick and efficient distribution of relief supply kits to communities affected by disasters. In addition, UMCOR is developing a capacity-building grant program for affiliate warehouses across the United States to support volunteer involvement, enhance kit readiness, and meet UMCOR operational standards.
Throughout 2026, Sager Brown will continue to prepare and ship relief supply kits and host all scheduled mission experiences.
“As disasters increase in frequency throughout the United States, building a more distributed and agile network that draws on the expertise of partners is critical to UMCOR’s future disaster response efforts,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR. “We know that this transition represents a significant shift for those involved with this ministry. UMCOR Sager Brown has been a cornerstone of our relief supply kit distribution for nearly 30 years, and we are grateful for the dedicated and faithful staff, volunteers, and donors who have sustained this ministry. We will share updates as UMCOR’s plans evolve and look forward to conversations with the leadership of the Louisiana Conference as we explore possible engagement with the local community.”
Sager Brown has served as UMCOR’s hub for relief supply kits production and volunteer mission experiences since 1996. Speaking about its impact in the Baldwin area and beyond, UMCOR Board President Bishop David Wilson said, “The UMCOR Sager Brown campus has been a place of vital mission and faithful service for many years and its impact extends far beyond the kits produced – it reflects a deep commitment to compassion, dignity, and service in the name of Christ. As we move into this new phase, we honor that legacy and remain committed to ensuring that this spirit of mission continues to thrive.”
These strategic changes position UMCOR to reduce costs while strengthening its disaster response ministry for decades to come. By modernizing its logistics model, expanding the capacity and readiness of its affiliate warehouse network, and cultivating new partnerships for rapid relief supplies deployment and volunteer opportunities in disaster materials management, UMCOR will be better positioned to deliver timely and compassionate aid to communities in crisis.
For information about disaster supply relief kit assembly and shipment, or scheduled 2026 mission experiences at UMCOR Sager Brown, email volunteers@sagerbrown.org. For media queries, email media@umcmission.org.
