The UMCOR Hotline
November 22, 2005
In Today's Hotline:
US: What’s a Storm Center?
Pakistan/Kashmir: Relief Continues
Africa: Feeding the Hungry
Make 2006 a Year of Hope
US: WHAT’S A STORM CENTER? When a hurricane hits the US and it is clear that recovery will take a lot of time and effort, United Methodists set up storm centers through their annual conferences. These centers are part of UMCOR’s response network and provide a central location to coordinate long term assistance. For example, in Louisiana there is a main storm center in Baton Rouge that is coordinating region-wide response efforts. There are also six more localized centers, one in the heart of New Orleans operating out of First Street United Methodist Church. Each center has a director, a construction director, a case management director and administrative staff. The staff coordinates volunteer teams in their area, helps with basic construction needs, and, through case management, helps survivors form their own plan and connect with other agencies who can meet additional recovery needs. The work of these centers, now located throughout the Gulf Coast region and Florida help people recover their homes, lives, and livelihoods. Your gifts to UMCOR Advance #982523, Hurricanes 2005, help support the work of these centers. If you would like your gift to go to a specific storm or region, please note that on your check. You can also give by credit card online at www.methodistrelief.org. PAKISTAN/KASHMIR: RELIEF CONTINUES The rush to provide relief to earthquake-affected areas in South Asia continues. UMCOR Partners such as Church World Service, International Blue Crescent, Church's Auxiliary for Social Action, and others are working to provide relief in the form of shelter, food, and medical care. Last month’s quake continues to take its toll as survivors suffer from disease and exposure to the harsh Himalayan winter. Please keep hope alive by giving generously to UMCOR Advance #232000, Pakistan/Kashmir Earthquake. You can also give by credit card online at www.methodistrelief.org. AFRICA: FEEDING THE HUNGRY In a time of thanksgiving for our bounty, let us remember those who had little to harvest this year. According to the World Food Program 25,000 people die from hunger and poverty every day. Your gifts can make a difference. UMCOR’s partner agencies throughout Africa are not only helping people get the food they need today, they are helping them prepare for tomorrow. Give to UMCOR Advance #101250, All Africa Famine Relief, and make a difference in someone’s life. MAKE 2006 A YEAR OF HOPE This Christmas, give the UMCOR Calendar, Harvest of Hope, to encourage and inspire your loved ones. Each month you will encounter new programs providing a future and a hope to people in the midst of difficult circumstances. The rich photography celebrates the diverse world in which we live. The accompanying CD provides you with additional materials and information as well as a screensaver using the calendar's vivid images. For just $10 you can give the gift of hope this Christmas. Click here to learn more and order your calendar. UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out
more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors. And, please pray for those who are hungry, displaced, sick or in poverty because of these and other natural and human-made disasters, and for the workers who minister to them.
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