Earlier today, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) announced changes to its national warehouse operations, including the planned closure of its Sager Brown facility in Louisiana beginning in 2027. As one of the seven Affiliate Warehouses, Mission Central learned of this announcement only an hour before this was shared via a press release and on social media.
We recognize that this news has raised questions and confusion, particularly around the role of “affiliate warehouses” and what this announcement means for disaster response and kit efforts. So we’ve created this page to provide some clarity around who we are at Mission Central and what an affiliate warehouse is.
First though, let us be clear: Mission Central’s role has not changed
Mission Central has served as an UMCOR affiliate warehouse for more than 23 years. That work continues unchanged. Affiliate warehouses are independent nonprofit organizations that partner with UMCOR to support disaster response by assembling, storing, and shipping relief supply kits.
At Mission Central, this work includes:
• Receiving donated disaster kit supplies
• Assembling and quality-checking kits through teams of dedicated volunteers
• Providing free warehouse storage
• Shipping kits directly to communities affected by disasters
Mission Central provides this work at no cost. We do not receive funding from UMCOR, we do not charge fees, and we do not act as a middleman. Our volunteers, facilities, and operations are supported by our own donors, partners, and community. This partnership model is not new. Affiliate warehouses have existed for decades and have long been an essential part of disaster response across the United States.
Our Impact and Capacity
In 2024, Mission Central shipped more than $600,000 in just UMCOR cleaning buckets – part of the more than $1 million in UMCOR disaster relief that left our docks here in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. This aid supported communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, flooding in Northeastern Pennsylvania, New England, and other regions facing crisis. This in addition to the nearly $500,000 in hygiene kits that left on pallets and skids amounted to more than $1.7 million in humanitarian relief from our UMCOR work alone. For perspective, that year we moved more than $23.5 million in humanitarian aid from our 48,000sq. ft. warehouse to individuals and families in need, here at home and across the globe. Our warehouse remains fully operational. Our volunteers continue to assemble and prepare kits. Our shelves are stocked. We remain ready to respond when disasters occur.
What UMCOR’s Announcement Does and Does Not Change
UMCOR’s announcement reflects a shift in how they plan to manage national logistics and partnerships in the future.
It does not change:
• Mission Central’s mission
• Our operations or staffing
• Our ability to receive, assemble, store, or ship disaster relief kits
• Our commitment to serving communities in crisis
Mission Central remains an active and engaged disaster response partner.
Affiliate Warehouse Network
Mission Central is one of seven UMCOR affiliate warehouses continuing this work across the country:
• United Methodist Disaster Warehouse in Decatur, Alabama
• Midwest Mission, in Pawnee, Illinois
• Missouri Conference Disaster Response, in Columbia, Missouri
• Mission Barn, in New Castle, Pennsylvania
• The Mission Center, in Conroe, TX
• Bishop Joel and Dr. Raquel Martinez Disaster Response Center in Kerrville, Texas
Together, this network represents decades of experience, thousands of volunteers, and millions of dollars in aid delivered directly to communities in need.
Moving Forward
We understand the deep connection many people have to UMCOR’s disaster response ministry and to the work historically done at Sager Brown. That legacy matters. At the same time, it is important to understand that disaster response through affiliate warehouses like Mission Central has been happening quietly, faithfully, and effectively for many years. Mission Central remains open, active, and committed to this work. If you are looking for a place to serve, to give, or to help assemble disaster relief kits, we are here and we have been for more than two decades.
Thank you for caring about disaster response.
Thank you for asking questions.
And thank you for standing with communities in crisis.
– Mission Central