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
New HHS Report on Unaccompanied Children Overlooks Harm Caused by Current Policies
CWS warns that prolonged detention, deportation and loss of legal protections are making children less safe WASHINGTON, D.C., OCT 12, 2026—As the Trump administration and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continue to tout efforts to rescue and safeguard trafficked children, its policies are putting those same children in harm’s way. On October 1, HHS released a …
National Preparedness Month: Why Disaster Preparedness Matters More Than Ever
Disasters are more than newspaper headlines. They disrupt neighborhoods, force families from their homes and leave communities struggling to recover long after national attention fades. Floods wash away roads and businesses. Wildfires destroy homes and livelihoods. Hurricanes leave lasting damage that communities may spend months or even years rebuilding from. Over the last decade, the United States has experienced roughly 199 separate weather and climate …
Church World Service Commits to Elevating Refugee Women Leaders with Clinton Global Initiative
“Collective Action for Women Refugee-Led Organizations” will collaborate with women refugee leaders, who are driving solutions despite limited access to critical resources. NEW YORK CITY, September 23, 2026—Church World Service (CWS) today announced a new movement in partnership with Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) to amplify women leadership in responding to the largest displacement crisis in history, “Collective Action for Women …
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 …