Church World Service

Washington, D.C.—In response to the vilification of Haitian newcomers over false reports of abuse of animals, Church World Service today called for a halt of demonization of new members of our community, and a repudiation of racist tropes that undermine not only those fleeing danger, but of our communities overall. “Haitian-Americans and newcomers should not be dehumanized nor ostracized. Our ... Read More

In April 2023, Sarada received her U.S. citizenship at the age of 45. “It was a monumental achievement. It marked the end of a long journey, from being a stateless refugee to finally having a place I could proudly call home,” Sarada said.  Sarada’s story began in Bhutan, where she was born and lived until the age of 11. Political ... Read More

Right now, members of Congress are negotiating the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2025), which begins October 1st. Without decisive action from Congress, key programs and services for displaced people the United States has promised to protect will face dramatic cuts. With the looming November elections creating uncertainty about the office of the president and the composition ... Read More

For as long as he can remember, 12-year-old Mateo’s family has been the grounding force in his life, always guiding him and providing unconditional love. In his home in Mexico, he was used to a full house, surrounded by his seven cousins, four younger siblings, mom, aunt, and uncle, which was especially important to him because his father has been ... Read More

Mariana Ayala is a mother, grandmother, organizer and leader of the women in her community, Sawhoyamaxa, home to Enxet people in the Gran Chaco region of Paraguay. She has attended all training and workshops organized by CWS’ local partner, Pastoral Social Diocesana Benjamin Aceval (PSDBA), in her community and today plays a key role in both, motivating women to attend ... Read More

My wedding dress and 300 DVDs. That is all I had when we evacuated our home. It’s what I had left of my belongings after our home and all of our possessions burned in the wildfire.   On the Saturday morning of September 12, 2015, I watered my garden full of amazing vegetables that were almost ripe enough to harvest, while ... Read More

Congregations and people of faith have an important role in advancing pro-immigrant, pro-refugee policies. Join us in taking action to urge your elected officials to pursue legislation and funding rooted in collective concern for people fleeing persecution and violence. Our diverse faith traditions compel us to love our neighbor, accompany the vulnerable, and welcome the sojourner—regardless of place of birth, ... Read More

Refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and other newcomers’ access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential to a foundation of healthy living.  But today’s housing market reveals tough-rooted inequities and a dearth of housing support, development and market availability, and affordability for renters and homeowners in communities all across the country. The United States faces a current shortage of 7.3 ... Read More

Being greeted by free-flowing song, contagious dance and exuberant joy upon arriving at the remote Mwanga Village in Tanzania set the tone for what this incredibly hard-working group of farmers have built together.    In partnership with the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, CWS’ Giving Machines Program has empowered several chicken farming groups in the Kasulu region of Tanzania for about ... Read More

The following blog was written by a program participant of CWS’ local Moldovan partner, Healthy City. Healthy City, also known as Zdrovii Gorod, supports Ukrainian refugees by providing comprehensive services including food and non-food items, social inclusion and psychosocial support. My name is Sofia Belous. I am 37 years old and from Ukraine, Odesa region, Yuzhny. I am a mom ... Read More

The following blog was written by a program participant of CWS’ local Moldovan partner, Healthy City. Healthy City, also known as Zdrovii Gorod, supports Ukrainian refugees by providing comprehensive services including food and non-food items, social inclusion, and psychosocial support. My name is Khatnyukov Igor. I am 66 years old, and I am from the city of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Odessa region. ... Read More

Washington, D.C.—Today, Church World Service (CWS) and Refugee Housing Solutions (RHS) celebrate the expansion of their partnership for innovation in refugee housing. A new opportunity with a nonprofit technology platform, ReHome, will further develop a web-based housing search software customized for refugees who arrive through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. When newly arrived refugees face delays in finding safe, secure ... Read More

Tools and Resources to take Action Civic Engagement and Get Out the Vote Use and share the Voice for Refuge How to Vote guide and check your voter registration status. Use the newly updated CWS Strengthening Welcome Through Civic Engagement Toolkit. Use and share this voter pledge card for New Americans. August Recess Congressional Advocacy Use this brief guide detailing ... Read More

For many, cell phones have become an almost essential part of our day-to-day lives allowing us to be more efficient, knowledgeable and connected. This is something that a group of young men and women in Baie-de-Henne, Haiti realized and decided to seize the opportunity to enhance their income and quality of life by repairing cell phones in their community. Through ... Read More

Since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan last April, experts estimate that the death toll could range anywhere from 15,500 to a shocking 150,000 individuals and, according to the IDMC, the 9.1 million people displaced by the end of 2023 was the most ever recorded in a single country since records began in 2008. Despite these astonishing numbers, the ... Read More

Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today called for a balanced, less punitive approach to addressing the challenges posed by migration along the U.S. Southern Border. The response to the continued challenges posed by migration along the border must always seek to protect the rights and dignity of all migrants. The increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and ... Read More

The world is currently experiencing a food crisis of unprecedented proportions. Conflict, climate extremes and poverty are among the primary drivers that have caused up to 309 million people across 71 countries to face chronic hunger. What causes global hunger? The world produces enough food to feed everyone on the planet. The issue isn’t supply—many of our global neighbors are ... Read More

This week marks the anniversary of the fall of Kabul, a day when many Afghans began fleeing their country, fearing for their lives. As we approach the third anniversary of this significant event, we reflect on the journey of Nargis, a 23-year-old woman who arrived in the United States on June 7th, 2023, from Afghanistan. Her story begins in Kabul, ... Read More

In recent years over 250,000 migrant children have fled poverty, violence, persecution and oppression, arriving in the United States without a parent or guardian. After being apprehended at the U.S. border, these children often spend weeks and even months in federal custody while the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) determines a safe home, with family members or sponsors to care ... Read More

Church World Service urges Congress to affirm the dignity of refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and all who have been uprooted from their homes. The U.S.’s historic position as a leader providing humanitarian relief to displaced people overseas and welcoming those who arrive to our shores fleeing persecution strengthens our communities, advances U.S. diplomatic and national security interests, and promotes human ... Read More