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
Venezuela Earthquake Update: Two Months On
On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other, collapsing buildings across Caracas and the surrounding region. Nearly 18,000 individuals and families lost their homes, while thousands more remain in temporary shelters, uncertain whether their homes will ever be safe to live in again. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, local churches, community organizations and volunteers provided critical support. Two months later, the …
More Than 20,000 Unaccompanied Children at Risk of Losing Legal Representation in Immigration Court
Expiration of Federal Contract Leaves Vulnerable Children Facing Proceedings Alone WASHINGTON, D.C., August 5, 2026—On Friday, July 31st, the Trump administration ended a critical federal contract with the Acacia Center for Justice providing legal services and representation to children who entered the United States without a parent or guardian. The decision dismantled a network of nearly 100 legal service providers, including Church World Service, and leaves over …
“They Made Me Feel Like I Wasn’t Alone Anymore”: Why Refugee Protection Matters
After fleeing Afghanistan, Layla arrived in the United States alone and uncertain of where to turn. With support from CWS and community partners, she is beginning to rebuild her life and imagine a future rooted in safety, dignity and service. Rebuilding Safety for Afghan Neighbors By age 35, Layla* had built a thriving life in Afghanistan. After years of hard work and dedicated study, she …
Deadly ICE Shooting in Maine Escalates Calls for Accountability and Independent Investigations
Killing of Johan Sebastian occurred less than a week after Houston shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo WASHINGTON, DC, JULY 14, 2026—Church World Service today expressed its condolences and a message of mourning and solidarity following another fatal ICE shooting, this time in Biddeford, Maine. The victim, Johan Sebastian, was a 26-year-old Colombian national with work authorization, and media reports assert …
Fatal Shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston Continues Pattern of Violent ICE Immigration Enforcement Tactics
CWS Calls for Accountability WASHINGTON, D.C., July 10, 2026 — Church World Service issued a statement today expressing its profound condolences to the family, loved ones, and neighbors mourning the loss of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Houston resident and father who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents on July 7 in the city’s East End. CWS joins the growing …