United States Disaster Response
The United Methodist Committee on Relief U.S. Disaster Response (UMCOR USDR) seeks to alleviate suffering caused by disasters that strike within the United States and its territories.
With a “communities own their recoveries” philosophy, UMCOR supports local efforts to accomplish immediate relief and long-term recovery while providing for volunteers to offer compassionate ministry in the aftermath of disasters.
In partnership with disaster response ministries and coordinators in U.S. annual conferences, UMCOR journeys with affected communities throughout a disaster’s cycle, including disaster preparedness, relief, response, recovery and mitigation.
UMCOR’s Early Response Team (ERT) training program supports conference preparedness and immediate response efforts. Key activities for conference ERT and other response teams are supplying survivors with food, water, shelter and help with mucking out and cleaning up. UMCOR offers emergency financial assistance in the aftermath of a disaster to support local relief work.
For disasters that require long-term strategies, UMCOR provides conferences with expertise, grants and training for more extensive programming, such as disaster case management, materials and construction management, volunteer management and psychosocial support for survivors.
Learn more about UMCOR’s role in disaster response through this interactive guide.
U.S. Current Response
UMCOR and its partners are responding to disasters in the United States every day.
How UMCOR Partners with U.S. Annual Conferences
Clean-up and assessment after Hurricane Helene enters new phases of disaster recovery. Three conferences receive grants to prepare for long-term programs.
The UMCOR-supported solar disaster response trailer powered lights, freezers and refrigerators at Camp Tygart for ERTs clearing debris near Valdosta, Georgia.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is working with all affected conferences as communities begin to assess their needs. So far, grants have been awarded to the North and South Georgia, Western North Carolina and Holston conferences.