Disaster Response Ministry
Get Involved!
Local Projects
As you may be aware, Tropical Storm Debby hit the Pennsylvania area in early August, leaving a trail of flooding and destruction. Currently there is a storm, Helene, that is headed for Florida. During these difficult times it is crucial that we all pull together to help one another. In John 15:12 we are told by Jesus, "this is my commandment that you love one another, as I have loved you."
One way you can show that love during any disaster is by volunteering to be a Crisis Cleanup phone volunteer.
Crisis Cleanup opens a hotline that allows survivors of disasters to call and register the damage they sustained and request assistance with addressing it. Phone volunteers are the first line of responders who lend an ear and record their needs. This vital work helps organize information that is provided to relief organizations and disaster teams, allowing them to reach the survivors and meet their needs much quicker.
Phone volunteering is a great, safe way to do meaningful service and training will be provided. If you have a phone and a computer with internet access, you can participate in the important mission opportunity from the comfort of your home.
Contact the Disaster Response Coordinator, if you are interested in serving; call (717) 766-7441, extension 3402, or email - drc@susumc.org and included "Crisis Cleanup" in the subject line.
Here is a 5-minute introductory training video about Crisis Cleanup: https://youtu.be/ot4LZjtK0xo
Volunteer Opportunity for Hurricane Ida Recovery Efforts
National Projects
May 1, 2025
Six months after Hurricane Helene struck Augusta, Georgia, signs of the storm’s wrath were still everywhere – toppled trees, damaged homes, broken hearts. But in late March, a team of eight volunteers from the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences showed up with chainsaws, prayer, and a quiet but steady determination to serve.
For one week, these faithful responders – a mix of trained Early Response Team (ERT) members and first-time volunteers – brought more than tools and skills. They brought presence. They brought hope. And they brought the deep, Spirit-led conviction that no one should face recovery alone. (more…)
UMCOR responds to disasters in the United States and around the world by working with communities and local partners. When a disaster overwhelms a community’s ability to recover on its own, UMCOR provides essential relief supplies and supports long-term rebuilding efforts. While UMCOR is not a first-response organization, it stands ready to accompany communities in need over the long haul of their recovery until a “new normal” is established after a crisis. “Early in and last out” is a guiding principle of UMCOR.
With disasters such as Hurricane Henri affecting the East Coast, wildfires in the west, and the destruction in Haiti, there are many opportunities to support UMCOR efforts.
Information about UMCOR disaster response efforts can be found by clicking U.S. Disaster Response or International Disaster Response
To provide financial assistance to the UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery effort (Advance # 901670), click here: UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response
To give to the UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery effort, (Advance # 982450), click here: UMCOR International Disaster Response
