Domestic Disaster Response
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:
TrainingMentorsCase ManagementVolunteersRelief SuppliesFinances
UMCOR provides training to annual conferences and local churches on disaster preparation and response. UMCOR also offers close guidance in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Subjects covered in either pre-disaster or post-disaster training include but are not limited to:
Conference disaster organization
- Selection and hiring of staff
- Coordination with other response agencies
- Budget building
- Volunteer management
- Case management
- Spiritual and emotional care for children, youth, adults and older adults
UMCOR has a corps of trained disaster response specialists who deploy quickly to reinforce local efforts. This corps is made up of consultants paid by UMCOR, experienced annual conference disaster response coordinators across the US, and trained volunteers who have specialized knowledge and experience. These mentors walk beside local response personnel to guide and offer advice. In addition to offering technical assistance, they provide vital support, and keep local responders from feeling overwhelmed.
Family by Family Problem Solving
Case Management-the constellation of activity that really is family-by-family problem solving-is the vehicle through which UMCOR provides long-term recovery. Local case managers develop relationships with survivors and connect them to organizations that can best help them. They guide families and individuals through the labyrinth of forms, applications, and organizations they must work with to get the help they need. Case managers can also provide direct financial assistance from the generous donations of United Methodists to meet urgent needs. Ultimately, case managers help survivors develop their own plan for recovery. UMCOR specifically seeks to help survivors who have the least resources, who are often hiding in the missed spaces of the community and need to be found.
UMCOR is recognized nationally as a leader in disaster case management. UMCOR provides training and personnel to local communities to help define the need for a case management system within long-term recovery. UMCOR helps communities establish a case management system, providing forms and computer software that help local leaders manage individual cases.
UMCOR helps annual conferences prepare for and coordinate volunteers in the disaster zone. UMCOR's partner, the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM), provides an important source of volunteers.
- By coordinating with UMVIM, UMCOR sends trained Early Response Teams (ERT) to specific locations. They begin immediate response - cleaning up and making homes safe, sanitary and secure
- UMCOR helps annual conferences or local sites set up a "Call Center" where those wishing to volunteer can find a place to serve.
- UMCOR carefully coordinates with UMVIM about when it is appropriate to send teams and which skills are needed in a particular area.
UMCOR's Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La., coordinates the shipment of cleanup supplies, kits and other materials to disaster sites world wide. For more information on materials and kits, visit UMCOR Sager Brown Web site.
UMCOR is the steward of money raised for local disasters. UMCOR works with annual conferences following disasters to develop strategies for funding the response and recovery. Careful attention is paid to equitably distributing available resources to the most vulnerable populations. UMCOR not only helps raising funds - but it also provides vital oversight and reporting of how donor's gifts are used.
