What We Do
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
From Hunger to Hope: How Cash Transfers Helped Esther Rebuild Her Family’s Future
Through emergency cash assistance and nutrition support from Church World Service and Alongside Hope, Esther, a single mother in the Democratic Republic of Congo, transformed her family’s recovery from severe malnutrition into long‑term food security and resilience. Surviving Conflict, Hunger and Loss Early each morning in Tshijiba village, Democratic Republic of Congo, Esther begins her day with the same intention—to …
Immigrant children come to the United States fleeing danger, not in search of it
Trigger warning: This blog mentions instances of sexual abuse. CWS Marks April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Immigrant children come to the United States fleeing danger, not in search of it. They have done it alone, walking thousands of miles, and they have done it cradled in a parent’s arms. For many of those fortunate to make it to …
The Strength of Perseverance: How Orfelina is Helping Communities Thrive
Through faith, humility and hands‑on support, agricultural technician Orfelina Portillo is helping families in rural Honduras transform their livelihoods—building sustainable farms, healthier homes and a stronger, more connected community. Supporting Rural Families Through Sustainable Farming in Honduras Orfelina Portillo once defined herself as part of the “arm that feeds the world.” Now, after three years of dedication to the Produce Verde project, she has become …
From Ukraine to Myanmar: How Your Support Reached Communities in Crisis
In 2025, your compassion reached more than 123,000 people worldwide affected by conflict, climate‑driven disasters and humanitarian emergencies. Your support brought lifesaving essentials, long‑term recovery resources and renewed hope to communities across the globe. Around the world, families continue to face crises that uproot homes, disrupt livelihoods and threaten their safety. Whether caused by conflict, extreme weather or sudden disasters, these emergencies can leave entire communities …
Global Water Scarcity: How Communities Are Overcoming Water Challenges
Everyone deserves access to clean water, yet for millions around the world, safe drinking water and proper sanitation remain out of reach. From collapsed infrastructure and poor management to conflict and climate change, several factors contribute to families being unable to access their right to safe water. Rising global temperatures and extreme weather events are making clean water scarcer and …