Church World Service

After more than ten years of separation, Mr. Khan finally reunited with his wife and daughters in Texas—thanks to his unshakable determination, the support of Church World Service and a community ready to welcome. Their story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of refugee families and the transformative impact of welcome. A Journey Marked by Separation and Strength Imagine ... Read More

 Last updated: Tuesday, April 29, 2025  This resource provides daily updates from the CWS policy team in your inbox on the latest policy changes; the morning’s headlines on key issues impacting refugees and immigrants; and updated tools to take action. Subscribe now to receive daily updates on the latest developments and ways to support impacted communities. State of Play The ... Read More

 Trigger Warning: This story contains descriptions of war, loss, trauma and death that may be distressing for some readers.   Brothers Faheem, Samir and Mohamed* were children when in 2004 they fled genocide in Darfur, Sudan, making the arduous trek across the Kaja Valley border to Chad on foot and by donkey. Their pursuers, the Janjaweed (which means “devils on horseback” ... Read More

For decades, Palestinians have lived under occupation, facing violence, human rights abuses, systematic violations of international humanitarian law, and denial of their right to self-determination. After over a year of Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in the aftermath of the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attack against Israelis, Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip have been subjected to one of the ... Read More

For decades, Palestinians have lived under occupation, facing violence, human rights abuses, systematic violations of international humanitarian law, and denial of their right to self-determination. After over a year of Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in the aftermath of the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attack against Israel, Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip have been subjected to one of the ... Read More

Washington, D.C.—Ahead of Easter Sunday in celebration of the spirit of Easter, Rick Santos, President and CEO of Church World Service issued the following statement: This Easter we celebrate and remember the life of Jesus Christ and the hope of his resurrection. We are inspired to live in the promise of a renewed world and to join together with other ... Read More

“For God satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” – Psalm 107:9 Across the United States and around the world, seeds are being planted—seeds of nourishment, resilience and dignity. And at the heart of this harvest are the generous donors who support CWS Tools. Because of you, families have access to more than seeds and shovels—they have ... Read More

Every year, tens of thousands of unaccompanied children seek safety in the United States, often after enduring dangerous journeys. They hope for healing and a safe childhood here, but there are many challenges that stand in the way. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month and beyond, CWS is committed to ensuring these children have the care, protection and advocacy they ... Read More

Rogelio Rivera, his wife Suyapa Villeda and their family have transformed their small farm, La Bendición, into a thriving, sustainable homestead in La Sierra, Honduras. Through the Produce Verde project, they’ve embraced new farming techniques, diversified their crops and shared resources to strengthen both their livelihood and their community.  Cultivating a Life Rooted in Gratitude and Hard Work  “Thank God ... Read More

Pedro Pablo Gutiérrez and his family have transformed their small farm in Las Varas, Honduras, into a thriving, self-sufficient homestead with the support of the Produce Verde project. Through teamwork, sustainable farming practices and community sharing, they’ve created a life rooted in resilience, health and generosity.  A Day in the Life on the Farm  Every morning, Pedro Pablo Gutiérrez begins ... Read More

This Earth Day, we’re highlighting the stories of everyday people around the world who are turning the tides against climate change. From drought-stricken Kenya to flood-prone Indonesia, communities are embracing climate-smart farming, disaster preparedness and women-led leadership to build a more resilient, hopeful future. Millions of people around the world are already living in areas affected by climate change. Environmental ... Read More

Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today expressed its deep concern over a report that the Trump administration intends to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 9,000 Afghans and 3,000 Cameroonians living in the United States. The decision will have dire consequences for Afghans and Cameroonians who have built lives, filled essential jobs, started businesses, and contributed to our communities. ... Read More

Port-Au-Prince, Haiti—Today, Church World Service released a new report, “The Dismantling of the Inter-American Foundation: Haiti Rapid Assessment – March 2025.” The groundbreaking report shines a light on the impacts of Trump Administration policies on Haitian farmers, families, and internally displaced people. In addition to the closure of USAID and reduced funding to UN humanitarian operations, the executive order “Commencing the ... Read More

CWS is committed to breaking the cycle of discrimination and exclusion faced by Roma communities, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which displaced nearly 100,000 Roma Ukrainians. Through partnerships with organizations like the Roma National Center in Moldova, CWS provides essential aid to help Roma refugees and host communities achieve stability and inclusion. For centuries, the Roma ... Read More

Despite multiple court orders, the Trump administration’s refugee ban and funding freeze remain largely in place. Thousands of refugees have been left stranded abroad, often in dangerous conditions without basic support. Refugees who were recently resettled across the United States – those who finally found a safe place to call home after years of lengthy screening and vetting – are ... Read More

This week, advocates will travel from across North Carolina to the State Capitol in Raleigh to call on the North Carolina General Assembly to protect and strengthen immigrants, refugees, and the communities that welcome them. On April 3, community members will urge their elected officials to reject legislation that would target newcomers for detention and deportation and instead advance policies ... Read More

Following the devastating earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, which have left thousands dead and displaced millions, international aid has fallen short—especially as U.S. funding cuts hinder relief efforts. In response, CWS is working with local partners to provide emergency assistance, ensuring that affected communities receive critical aid despite global funding shortfalls. The Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid in Myanmar On ... Read More

Throughout U.S. history, faith communities have been at the forefront of welcoming refugees. Across religious traditions, people of faith have worked together to respond to humanitarian crises, guided by shared values of compassion, justice and hospitality. Here are seven powerful examples of interfaith collaboration in welcoming refugees to the United States. Welcoming Refugees After World War II (1940s-1950s) In the ... Read More

Updated: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Situation:  On Friday, March 28, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, followed minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock. In total, more than 3,800 people were killed (with estimates rising to 10,000) and more than 3,400 have been injured. Widespread damage has left 143,630 buildings beyond repair, including 1,600 houses, 670 monasteries and ... Read More

I was out for a walk yesterday and passed a house with a large “Welcome” sign on the front porch. I stood still, asking myself: I wonder if that welcome is meant for everyone? Or just for some? In America, we love the idea of welcome. We brand it, display it and post it everywhere. But who do we really ... Read More