GAZA: PROVIDING MEDICINE AND FOOD

UMCOR is contributing to humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip through multiple partner agencies already at work in the region. The complex issues surrounding the situation in Gaza are compounded by limited access to the region. UMCOR is meeting regularly with partners, including Action by Churches Together (ACT), to overcome these obstacles to reach survivors with tangible assistance.

You can support these efforts to bring medicine, food and other aid to the Gaza Strip by giving to Middle East Emergency, UMCOR Advance #601740.

ARMENIA: PROTECTING SURVIVORS OF TRAFFICKING

In Armenia, conditions such as poor social and economic standing, unemployment, war and natural disasters contribute to wide spread human trafficking. The legislation to prevent trafficking or protect survivors is not being sufficiently enforced and is therefore compounding the issue. UMCOR is providing protection for survivors of trafficking by strengthening shelter operations in Armenia.

UMCOR is assisting survivors of trafficking and their families by facilitating services to those in need through a shelter in Armenia. UMCOR is providing assistance for shelter personnel, hotline operations, reintegration services and providing migrants with information and services provided through the toll-free hotline.

Since 2004, UMCOR has been working through its non-governmental organization (UMCOR NGO) to protect survivors of trafficking through awareness campaigns, information materials, seminars, shelters, hotlines and more. National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is Jan. 11. Observe this day by giving to Counter-Trafficking Outreach, Awareness & Alternatives, UMCOR Advance, #333615.

RESOURCES: BRINGING HOPE TO ZIMBABWE-NEW REPORT TO DONORS

As the nation of Zimbabwe continues to endure the hardship of a cholera epidemic, hunger crisis and a failing economy, UMCOR is helping United Methodist hospitals stay in operation to ease the burdens of those most affected. Cholera kits will be sent to Nyadire and Mutambara Hospitals to treat 2,600 people. UMCOR will provide hospitals with salary support, food, medical supplies and fuel for generators and vehicles.

In December, UMCOR, though ZOE Ministry, a program of the North Carolina Annual Conference, delivered 100 metric tons of grain to 12 United Methodist districts in Zimbabwe-reaching more than 1,200 households and 11,000 primary school students.

Learn more about UMCOR's relief efforts in Zimbabwe. Download Bringing Hope to Zimbabwe, UMCOR's new Report to Donors. You can also support this effort by giving to Zimbabwe Emergency, UMCOR Advance #199456.