Alleviating suffering all over the world

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), a unit of Global Ministries, is a humanitarian organization that helps alleviate human suffering, one of the two main goals of Global Ministries. Originally founded in 1940 in response to displaced and vulnerable populations in the wake of World War II, UMCOR assists the most vulnerable people affected by crisis or chronic need without regard to their race, religion or status. UMCOR’s work is carried out by providing relief and assistance in response to natural and human-made disasters and supporting programs in the areas of migration, health, food security and environmental sustainability. 

Explore UMCOR

relief packages being distributed in a flooded area in DRC
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

When a natural or human-caused disaster strikes outside of the U.S., UMCOR serves as the primary channel for United Methodist assistance.

pastor visiting with LA resident after Ida
The Rev. Danny Gleason (left) visits with Eugene Mogabgab at his home in Thibodaux, La., while a United Methodist volunteer team strips moldy building materials from a bedroom. The homes’s roof was damaged by Hurricane Ida in August 2021 and Mogabgab had been living in the home while rainwater leaked in for several months. Gleason is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Thibodaux. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.
U.S. Disaster Response

UMCOR supports local efforts to accomplish immediate relief and long-term recovery while providing for volunteers to offer compassionate ministries in the aftermath of disasters.

children playing in makeshift camp
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.
Migration and Refugees

UMCOR’s global migration program helps refugees and migrants as well as the churches and ecumenical networks that assist them.

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 supplies provide care for the most vulnerable following a disaster or during times of crisis. (U.S. only)

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Supply Network

UMCOR Sager Brown collaborates with affiliate warehouses within the United Methodist Relief Supply Network to distribute relief supplies. (U.S. only)

Learn more through this interactive guide.

UMCOR's Role in UMC Disaster Response

Current UMCOR Responses

Ukraine
Response
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U.S. Hurricane Response Learn More Donate
Latest International Disaster Response Learn More Donate
Latest U.S. Disaster Response Learn More Donate

Support our work

  • Pray: Our work is undergirded by the power of prayer – both in the hours after a disaster strikes and through recovery.
  • Make supply kits: Assemble relief supply kits to help keep UMCOR’s Relief Supplies Network ready to deliver goods in the hands of survivors (U.S. only)
  • Volunteer:  U.S. volunteer efforts are arranged through annual conferences; reach out to your conference disaster relief coordinator to learn more. 
  • Give:  To provide support where it is most needed, give to Advance #999895. To specifically support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts, you can give to Advance 982450. To specifically support UMCOR’s U.S. disaster response efforts, you can give to Advance 901670.

To give by phone, call 1-888-252-6174 (credit card gifts accepted). To give by mail, make your check payable to Advance GCFA, write the name of the missionary or project and the Advance number on the memo line of the check and send it to:

Global Ministries/UMCOR
GPO
P.O. Box 9068
New York, NY 10087-9068

For questions about giving, please email donationhelp@umcmission.org.

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News and Stories View All
UMCOR offers hope on the long road to Helene recovery

Clean-up and assessment after Hurricane Helene enters new phases of disaster recovery. Three conferences receive grants to prepare for long-term programs.

Migrant protection amid policy uncertainties

As the U.S. faces immigration policy changes, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity.

Filipino United Methodists respond to triple disasters

The Disaster Management Office in Manila began relief operations after major storms brought flooding and caused three oil-carrying vessels to sink.


UMCOR Affiliations

UMCOR is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global network of Christian humanitarian organizations and Church World Service, a global ecumenical organization that resettles refugees and provides assistance to vulnerable persons. UMCOR is the founding sponsor of Immigration Law and Justice Network (ILJN)a U.S. network of local providers of free and low-cost legal assistance for poor migrants.