According to the United Methodist Book of Discipline, UMCOR’s current responsibility is “to provide immediate relief of acute human need and to respond to the suffering of persons in the world caused by natural, ecological, political turmoil and civil disaster”.
UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters – be it famine, hurricane, war, flood, fire or other events—to alleviate suffering and to be a source of help and hope for those left most vulnerable. We provide relief, response and long-term recovery grants when these events overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on their own. UMCOR also provides technical support and training for partners to address emerging and ongoing issues related to disaster relief, recovery and long-term health and development.
Unlike most relief organizations, UMCOR was designed so that 100 percent of all donations go directly to the intended projects. This goal was achieved by instituting the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) donation. The OGHS is an annual collection taken at United Methodist churches around the world in March. UMCOR receives enough support through OGHS each year to cover all overhead, administrative, and operation costs for the coming year. Excess funds received from OGHS are directed to UMCOR’s most urgent or least funded projects. Every dollar received in response to emergency appeals is spent on direct relief.
For more information, you’ll find a short, informative video on YouTube, outlining its mission at UMCMission.org/UMCOR
