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What makes someone a refugee? What evidence are we seeing of climate change? How does CWS respond when a disaster hits? Are we making progress in the fight against hunger?
And, most importantly: how can I help?
Explore the sections of our website below to find the answers to these questions, and many more.
Latest Updates
Winter Ready: Staying Prepared for the Season Ahead
As winter approaches, the season brings both joy and hidden dangers. From icy roads to rising heating costs, understanding the risks and preparing ahead can help families stay safe and resilient. Understanding Winter Risks As the weather turns colder, families around the country prepare for all the joy and excitement that winter holds. From holiday celebrations to cozy treats, the new season …
Politicization of Vital Program for Allies should not be Response to Wanton Violence, Bloodshed
Washington, D.C.—Following this week’s violent attack on two members of the National Guard—leading to one death and the critical wounding of another—in our nation’s capitol, Church World Service condemns this reprehensible attack and all violence unequivocally. The perpetrator has since been identified as an Afghan national who served alongside the U.S. presence in Afghanistan, had been evacuated after the fall …
Neighbors, Not Enemies: Remembering Injustice and Resisting Its Return
In this powerful reflection, CWS’s Associate Director of Policy, Kimiko Hirota, recounts her experience at the 2025 Crystal City Pilgrimage, drawing connections between her family’s history and the renewed use of the Alien Enemies Act under the Trump administration. As immigrant communities face mass detention and deportation today, she calls on Americans to remember past injustices and resist their return …
From Earthquake to Hurricane: Resilience in Action for Communities in Haiti
After the 2021 earthquake devastated communities in Haiti, CWS partnered with local leaders to rebuild homes, schools and water systems with resilience at the core. Today, those same structures are providing shelter, safety and essential resources during Hurricane Melissa. While the storm damaged gardens, livestock and some infrastructure, the homes and cisterns built through community-led recovery efforts largely withstood the …
Rooted in Resilience: The Lasting Impact of CWS Recovery in Haiti
After Hurricane Matthew and the 2021 earthquake devastated communities in Haiti, CWS partnered with local leaders to rebuild and repair homes with resilience in mind. Today, those same homes are providing shelter and safety during Hurricane Melissa—proof that community-led recovery not only restores what was lost but builds lasting strength for the future. CWS-constructed homes, built in the aftermath of …