The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been shut down for more than a month. Congress and the White House continue to debate whether to provide additional funding for DHS. Lawmakers need to hear their communities demand that ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) abuses end and real guardrails are immediately put in place. These guardrails must include: Not …
From Ukraine to Myanmar: How Your Support Reached Communities in Crisis
March 23, 2026
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 …
CWS Virginia Applauds Passage of Key Legislation Ensuring Safeguards for All Virginians, Including Refugees and Immigrants
Harrisonburg, VA—Church World Service Virginia applauds the passage of key legislation in the Virginia General Assembly that will safeguard the well-being and future of all who call the Commonwealth home, including resettled refugees, asylees, and other immigrant populations. The Virginia House and Senate recently passed a number of bills that will end unlawful federal operations by ICE in the Commonwealth, …
Stronger Together: How You Helped Families Across the United States Rebuild After Crisis
Your generosity helped communities across the United States recover from hurricanes, wildfires and winter storms in 2025. From emergency supplies to long‑term support, you ensured families had the help they needed to regain safety, stability and hope. Across the United States, disasters continue to strike with little warning—destroying homes, disrupting daily life and leaving families unsure of how they’ll recover. But when crisis hits, your compassion ensures that neighbors across …
Global Water Scarcity: How Communities Are Overcoming Water Challenges
March 22, 2026
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 …
Stepping Toward a Better World: How CROP Hunger Walks Are Fighting Hunger in 2026
March 19, 2026
CROP Hunger Walks mobilize tens of thousands of people each year to fight food insecurity, raising millions to support both global and local hunger-fighting efforts. As National Walking Day approaches, these walks show how every step can help neighbors near and far. Participants in the Greater Lexington CROP Hunger Walk join together in fighting hunger in their community and around …
Rebuilding Lives in Egypt: Stories of Refugee Strength and Recovery
March 17, 2026
CWS and StARS are providing lifesaving support to refugee children and young adults in Egypt who are facing crisis, trauma and displacement. Through psychosocial care, financial assistance and safe housing, individuals like Warda, Ziad, Farha and Aya are finding stability, protection and hope for the future. Trigger warning: Instances of neglect, abuse and sexual assault are referenced in this blog. …
TAKE ACTION: Tell Your State Lawmakers – Do Not Let Refugees & Other Newcomers Go Hungry as Federal SNAP Cuts Take Effect
March 15, 2026
Across the U.S., refugees and other newcomers seeking safety from violence and persecution are losing access to basic food assistance as Congress’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) takes effect. Nationwide, more than 22 million families are at risk of losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as states face requirements to implement various changes that undermine the …
Blooming Futures in Gatesville: How Kids Kits are Changing Lives
March 13, 2026
Thanks to our generous supporters, CWS Kids Kits are helping more than 2,800 students in Gatesville, Texas access essential school supplies, easing the burden on families and ensuring every child is ready to learn. Equipping Students with Tools to Thrive In the small town of Gatesville, Texas, more than 2,800 students are receiving support through CWS Kids Kits—proving that when neighbors come …
How Community Gardens Are Feeding Families and Growing Hope
March 12, 2026
Seed to Feed in Elkhart, Indiana brings together volunteers, congregations and neighbors to grow fresh, healthy food for families facing hunger. This community-powered garden program strengthens local food access, builds hope and nurtures connection through every harvest. Photos Courtesy of Disciples Design Growing Fresh Food Through Community-Powered Gardens Neighbors growing food, community and hope—together. In Elkhart, Indiana, something beautiful is growing—row …