Church World Service

New York City–Church World Service today decries the Trump administration’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 500,000 Haitians living in the United States. The decision – which goes into effect in August – will place Haitians who have found safety in and worked in our communities for decades at risk of deportation back to a country experiencing devastating ... Read More

As Serbia becomes an increasingly crucial waypoint for refugees and migrants—including those fleeing Ukraine—urgent challenges such as lack of shelter, healthcare, and legal protections continue to put thousands at risk. With limited institutional support and growing migration complexities, CWS and its partners are stepping in to provide emergency relief, legal aid, and long-term solutions to help displaced individuals find safety, ... Read More

 Last updated: Friday, February 21, 2025  The Trump administration’s indefinite refugee ban, stop work orders, and failure to reimburse resettlement agencies have had a devastating impact on tens of thousands of refugee families and communities across the country. This resource will provide regular updates each weekday on the current state of play; updated asks for national, state and local leaders; ... Read More

In 2024, CWS launched operations in Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast province to provide essential services such as food distribution, medical and psychosocial support and protection for vulnerable groups, in partnership with local organizations. As part of this work, CWS and local partners visited communities in January 2025 to assess winterization needs. The following blog is a testimony from one of the ... Read More

Nearly every year, floods hit Makassar City, disrupting the lives and livelihoods of those who call it home.  For 56-year-old Pak Sampara, each flood brings a new wave of uncertainty. The rising water damages crops, making them impossible to sell, and in 2020, the situation became even more devastating when he lost his cleaning job in a local hotel due ... Read More

When Fathiya joined her brother in an animation workshop, she had no idea how profoundly the training would change her life. Originally from Palestine, Fathiya had been living in Indonesia for several years after she was forced to leave her home, when her brother Jamal signed up for the Animation for Humanity project, led by CWS local partner Yayasan Cita ... Read More

Appeal Name: CWS’ Emboldened Commitment in the Face of Adversity   Date Issued: 14 February 2025  Appeal Code: 6210  Appeal Amount: $5 million over 18 months  Church World Service was born in the wake of the devastation of World War II. People of faith came together “to do in partnership what none of us could hope to do as well alone.” ... Read More

For years, CWS Thailand has been at the forefront of child protection, implementing programs designed to foster inclusive, safe and supportive learning environments. Through initiatives at three schools—Wat Sao Thonghin School, Radburana School and Chumchonmoobanpattana School—CWS has empowered students with essential life skills, emotional resilience and social awareness. Each program is uniquely tailored to address the needs of children from ... Read More

For more than 20 years, hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers from Myanmar have lived inside Thailand along the Thai-Myanmar border—next to their country yet far from their homes. Below are first-hand testimonials of participants in our youth empowerment project along the border. Htet Lin Thu: Educating and Empowering Migrant Youth My name is Htet Lin Thu, and I am ... Read More

Wajdi Al-Mowafak, CWS’ Director of Finance Business Partners, was on the verge of reuniting with his parents in the United States when President Trump’s executive order indefinitely suspending refugee admissions upended their plans. Now, like thousands of others, his family is trapped in limbo, facing uncertainty as their dreams of safety and stability vanish overnight. On January 20, 2025, President ... Read More

CWS Challenges Suspension of Refugee Resettlement Program and Freeze of Refugee Funding Lawsuit Was Filed in Federal District Court in Seattle on Behalf of Impacted Refugees and Faith Based Refugee-Serving Agencies (Seattle, WA) – Today, three national and local faith-based refugee-serving agencies and nine individuals filed Pacito v. Trump, the first lawsuit challenging President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) suspending the ... Read More

The Trump administration’s indefinite refugee ban, stop work orders, and failure to reimburse resettlement agencies in a timely manner have had a devastating impact on tens of thousands of refugee families in communities across the country and around the world.  The abrupt halt of life-saving funds on January 24 were initiated by “Stop Work Orders” pursuant to the Reevaluating and ... Read More

Refugees significantly give back to the communities that welcome them—starting businesses, paying taxes and contributing to the local economy. In fact, a Department of Health and Human Services Refugees study found that, over a fifteen-year period, refugees brought in $124 billion more in state and local revenue than they cost. Aside from the economic benefits to welcoming, newcomers also bring ... Read More

Since CWS began its work in response to the devastation of World War II, we have been dedicated to helping refugee families rebuild their lives in the United States. Through strong partnerships with local communities and congregations, we ensure every arriving family receives a warm welcome and the essential support they need to thrive as valued members of their new ... Read More

The Temoori family arrived in the United States from Afghanistan, determined to build a better future. With support from CWS, they quickly secured housing, employment and resources, showcasing resilience and hope as they work toward self-sufficiency. On November 13, 2024, the Temoori family arrived in the United States from Afghanistan as Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, beginning a new journey ... Read More

Taq, a resettlement caseworker in Ohio, has witnessed the devastating impact of recent Executive Orders that have halted refugee arrivals, leaving families like his own in limbo. With loved ones stranded in unsafe conditions and immigrant communities facing growing fear in the United States, Taq shares his hope for policies that honor America’s commitment to those who risked everything to ... Read More

CWS Japan, alongside local partners, has launched the I-CREATE program in Indonesia’s Malaka District to help communities along the Benanain River strengthen their resilience against recurring floods. By improving early warning systems, enhancing flood mitigation infrastructure and fostering inclusive, community-led solutions, the program aims to ensure long-term sustainability and disaster preparedness. For communities along the Benanain River in Indonesia, annual ... Read More

Taq, a resettlement caseworker in Ohio, has witnessed the devastating impact of recent Executive Orders that have halted refugee arrivals, leaving families like his own in limbo. With loved ones stranded in unsafe conditions and immigrant communities facing growing fear in the United States, Taq shares his hope for policies that honor America’s commitment to those who risked everything to ... Read More

Farida Mohammadi served along U.S. Army soldiers seeking out the Taliban as a member of the Afghan military’s Female Tactical Platoon. After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, she was forced to flee her country. Arriving in the United States in 2021, Farida found a new purpose as a Housing Navigator with CWS Lancaster, helping other newcomers rebuild their lives. ... Read More

The story of Mustafa Albayati and his wife Randa is one of resilience, love and the transformative power of community. From their chance meeting in Iraq to building a life together in the United States, their journey has been marked by challenges, triumphs and unwavering hope. Here’s their inspiring story, told in Mustafa and Randa’s words.   “I first met ... Read More