Todd Rossnagel
Relief supplies stock shelves at UMCOR's Sager-Brown Depot in Baldwin, La. (Louisiana Conference Photo)
Louisiana Conference | February 11, 2026
Since the announcement that the United Methodist Committee on Relief will conclude operations at the Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana, leaders across the Conference have heard from clergy, churches, volunteers, and community members who have expressed surprise, sadness, and concern.
“Those reactions are understandable, and we want people to know that we hear them,” said Bishop Delores J. Williamston. “For nearly 30 years, Sager Brown has been a visible and faithful center of disaster response, volunteer service, and prayerful action, not only for Louisiana, but for communities around the world. This place holds deep meaning for many people, and it is right to pause, to grieve what is changing, and to give thanks for the ministry that has touched so many lives.”
In response to questions raised following the announcement, UMCOR has shared additional context about the decision, including new information shared publicly in recent online comments.
According to UMCOR, the Sager Brown warehouse is approximately 48,000 square feet, a size that no longer aligns with its reimagined relief supply kit model. UMCOR also noted that the capital investments required to modernize the facility, including software systems, barcode scanning, and logistics infrastructure, would be cost-prohibitive.
In addition, ongoing maintenance needs across the broader 25-acre campus, which includes multiple buildings requiring roofing, HVAC, and general upkeep, were cited as factors that made long-term operation unsustainable.
“This information helps clarify that the decision was not a reflection on the ministry, the staff, the volunteers, or the community of Baldwin,” said Rev. Dr. Van Stinson, Executive Director of Mission and Ministry for the Louisiana Conference. “Rather, it reflects a shift in how UMCOR is structuring its disaster response work nationwide.”
Bishop Williamston says, even as questions continue, one truth remains clear: the impact of Sager Brown cannot be measured in square footage or systems alone.
“For nearly 30 years, Sager Brown has been a visible and faithful center of disaster response, volunteer service, and prayerful action, not only for Louisiana, but for communities around the world. This place holds deep meaning for many people, and it is right to pause, to grieve what is changing, and to give thanks for the ministry that has touched so many lives.”
– Bishop Delores J. Williamston
“Over the years, thousands of volunteers traveled to Baldwin to assemble relief kits, serve neighbors, pray over supplies, and offer their time and labor for people they would never meet,” said Bishop Williamston. “Many also worked alongside local residents through food distribution and housing rehabilitation projects, supporting families and older adults in St. Mary Parish. The Louisiana Conference remains deeply grateful for every volunteer, every staff member, every church, and every community partner who made this ministry possible.”
Roland Fernandes, General Secretary, Global Ministries and UMCOR, expressed his gratitude for the steadfast support the Louisiana Conference has long provided to UMCOR Sager Brown’s ministry in Baldwin.
"For years, Louisiana congregations and volunteers have spent countless hours faithfully assembling flood buckets and other relief supplies for communities in crisis," Fernandes said. "Volunteer teams have worshiped in the chapel, served in mission throughout the Baldwin community, and built meaningful relationships with each other through shared Christian fellowship. As our relief ministry enters a new chapter, we look forward to conversations about the future of Sager Brown with the leadership of the Louisiana Conference."
Conference leaders also want churches and members to know that conversations about what's next are ongoing.
"It is also important to clarify that the Louisiana Conference does not own the Sager Brown campus and is not the sole decision-maker regarding the future use of the site," Stinson said. "The Louisiana Conference is actively working with United Women in Faith and Global Ministries to explore ways ministry can continue in Baldwin beyond this transition."
In addition, plans are underway to honor and celebrate Sager Brown's legacy.
Opportunities for celebration and reflection are being planned through the end of the year, with additional recognition anticipated at the 2026 Louisiana Annual Conference.