Featured Photo Credit: The Footprint Project

Author: Rev. Jenny Phillips

Senior Technical Advisor, Environmental Stability

jphillips@umcmission.org


UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief
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is the humanitarian response arm of The United Methodist Church responding to disasters around the United States and the world. In partnership with conference leaders, it equips communities to prepare for disasters and walks with communities through immediate response and long-term recovery. The Connecting Neighbors program of UMCOR supports local churches and conferences in increasing community resilience in the face of climate risk as well as other sources of vulnerability—contact your Conference Disaster Response Coordinator (CDRC) through your conference office to connect with this program.

There are a number of ways to support creation justice through UMCOR Advance giving. Learn more and support.

Disaster Response

Environmental Sustainability

Other Areas of Impact

United Methodist Committee on Relief seeks to integrate sustainability strategies into disaster response, recovery and risk reduction. Here are examples of recent initiatives:

In Haiti, UMCOR provided disaster risk reduction training on climate change, environmental stewardship, solid waste management, and deforestation. The project also funded construction and clearing of drainage ditches to reduce flooding risk.

Photo Credit: UMCOR


In the Philippines, the Davos Episcopal Area Disaster Management Office completed the construction of a bridge in Lamlahak, Lake Sebu, Philippines made entirely of bamboo, leaving the community with facilities for preparing and treating bamboo for sale or construction. In an area where bamboo is prevalent and very renewable, this is a more sustainable option for construction. The bridge project can be seen as a proof of concept for sustainable materials construction in the area.


Also in the Philippines, UMCOR supported the Manila Episcopal Area Disaster Management Office in a project at the intersection of environmental sustainability and food security. The program taught participants skills for sustainable urban gardening.


In the United States, UMCOR is grateful for the work of The Footprint Project in providing a solar array at Dulac Community Center in Louisiana following Hurricane Ida. With support from the Louisiana Conference disaster response ministry, volunteers at the site provided lighting, device charging, food, ice, cleaning supplies and laundry services to survivors.

Photo Credit: The Footprint Project

UMCOR is offering training to Conference Disaster Response Coordinators on resilient rebuilding this summer. UMCOR’s Connecting Neighbors program helps local churches become partners in efforts for community resilience. Contact your conference’s Disaster Response Coordinator to learn more.