Disaster Response
How is the United Methodist Church present during a disaster? This is a question that many people have asked, and the answer is simple – YOU, THE LOCAL CHURCH, are present! The UMC has a local presence in nearly every community in the United States. This CONNECTION allows us to be present any time a need for response or recovery arises.
The prepared local church, working with and throught the United Methodist Committee on Relief is one of the ways that we as United Methodist’s are present during a disaster. UMCOR responds to natural or civil disasters that are interruptions of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own. UMCOR’s work on behalf of United Methodists is global and includes countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean. UMCOR serves in long-term disaster recovery in the US.
When disaster strikes, the local church usually provides the first response. This basic understanding – that disaster response is local – helps form a foundation for UMCOR’s national training and response. First and foremost, UMCOR is a resource for the local response. Specific resources UMCOR provides include:
- Training
- Mentors
- Case Management
- Volunteers
- Relief Supplies
- Finances
UMCOR always works to enable those affected by disasters to take responsibility for relief and recovery work. Wherever possible, UMCOR forms partnerships with other religious and secular organizations to pool resources and avoid duplicating efforts.UMCOR provides long-term recovery as well as immediate relief. Recognizing that disasters cause disruptions that can last for years and often create permanent changes in people’s lives, UMCOR works within a community to address the long-term effects of a disaster and assist people in rebuilding and adjusting to change.
For more information, please visit UMCOR online @ www.umcor.org
