How to Help - Hurricane Helene Disaster Response Information

Dear United Methodists of Upper New York,

We are heartbroken to witness the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene to communities across our United Methodist Connection.

We’re closely monitoring updates from UMCOR and the affected conferences, and we want to reassure you that The United Methodist Church is actively responding with UMCOR's support. Churches in the impacted conferences are assembling UMCOR Relief Kits, providing meals, sheltering, and showering services, and preparing their Early Response Teams for deployment. God's love is evident in the quick actions, prayers, and generosity of many.

Already, many of you have reached out wondering what we can do as United Methodists of Upper New York to assist in the relief efforts. Here are four ways you can help during this challenging time:

PRAY: Please pray for those impacted by the hurricane and for the first responders who are involved in search and rescue efforts.

DONATE: The most effective way we can make a difference is through a generous financial contribution. Consider donating to UMCOR US Disaster Response or visit the website of one of the impacted conferences to donate directly to a specific response.

PAUSE: Please do not self-deploy or send product donations directly to the disaster area. We are connected to the affected communities through our United Methodist Connection, and we will be notified if there are specific needs that we can help with. Unsolicited product donations and help can overwhelm an already chaotic situation. The Early Response Teams in Upper New York will be invited to assist through UMCOR when additional help is needed.

PREPARE: To respond safely and effectively, when needed, consider attending one of our upcoming disaster-response trainings. We are welcoming UMCOR Consultant, Pam Garrison, to our Conference on November 2 and January 25 to lead a Connecting Neighbors Training. Sign up for one of the sessions here.

May we continue to be instruments of God’s peace, sharing compassion and kindness to our neighbors near and far.

Together in community,

Kristina Clark
Associate Director of Missional Excellence
Disaster Response Coordinator 
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Donate to UMCOR Disaster Response