News & Updates | Posted Monday, November 17, 2014
In this journey of life, it’s great when a wide, well-marked road stretches as far as we can see in front of us. It’s another matter when that road abruptly ends and there are no clear signposts toward the future. Almost six years ago, my wide, clearly marked road ran out. After a 38-year professional career in the technology sector, …
News & Updates | Posted Friday, November 14, 2014
I’m going to be honest, before a few months ago I had never actually walked in a CROP Hunger Walk before in my life. My involvement with CWS was through theCWS Blanket Sunday my church did every Mothers’ Day. But what an experience it has been to see communities come together to raise funds and build awareness towards hunger needs …
News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, October 29, 2014
As communities along the U.S. East Coast mark the second anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, Church World Service continues to support the long-term recovery. Currently CWS is preparing a major presentation to a Nov. 13 forum for an expected 50 to 60 leaders from 14 long-term recovery groups for counties and cities across New Jersey. The event will be held in …
News & Updates | Posted Monday, October 20, 2014
Can a CWS Kit really make a difference in the wake of an overwhelming loss? Washitha Hunter, survivor of a recent catastrophic fire in her Chicago apartment complex, answered that question with a resounding “Yes!” Hunter, her husband, Anthony Barr, their two teen-aged children and 10-month-old grandson made it out of their apartment unharmed, but four neighbor children perished in …
News & Updates | Posted Thursday, September 4, 2014
“I couldn’t believe how fast the water rose. The damage it left was unbelievable; I really didn’t know what to do.” This comment from a homeowner in greater Detroit was echoed by tens of thousands across eastern Michigan who suffered damage from flash floods on August 11. At 8 a.m., it started raining hard across most of the region. All …
News & Updates | Posted Tuesday, August 26, 2014
FORMERLY “SPRING STORMS” APPEAL GOAL: $120,000 SUMMARY This summer, severe weather has continued to devastate numerous U.S. states, with wind, tornados, hail, flooding and wildfires causing extensive damage. In support of survivors’ early needs, Church World Service has provided CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets, Kits and Blankets assembled and contributed by its member communions and their congregations nationwide. CWS also has …
News & Updates | Posted Monday, August 25, 2014
SITUATION: On Sunday Aug. 25, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck northern California. The quake epicenter was 5 miles SSW of Napa. Early reports are that about 170 persons were injured. There are no reported fatalities. Dozens of buildings have been damaged. Numerous power outages were initially reported with most power restored as of Monday morning. Damage assessments are now underway by …
News & Updates | Posted Monday, August 4, 2014
APPEAL CODE: #700-O INITIAL APPEAL GOAL: $200,043 SITUATION: After being dormant for more than 400 years, the 8,530-foot Mt. Sinabung volcano on Sumatra Island, Indonesia, erupted in August 2010. Since then, more than 200 eruptions have displaced 30,000-plus people from 34 villages in Karo District, North Sumatra Province. The last major eruption, on Feb. 1, 2014, killed 14 people, including seven …
News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, July 23, 2014
To sit and listen to hard-working people who have just lost their homes and sometimes livelihoods to disaster is indeed humbling. As they come to ask us for help, it helps us realize that, regardless of how faithful or hard working we might be, in the world we “will have tribulation” (John 16:33). As U.S. Country Representative for International Orthodox …
News & Updates | Posted Friday, May 23, 2014
APPEAL CODE: #6639 INITIAL APPEAL GOAL: $613,000 SITUATION Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have been affected by a devastating cyclone, which has resulted in record flooding from heavy rains. Throughout the region dozens are confirmed dead, and many people are still missing. More than 60,000 people have been evacuated and tens of thousands of households have been completely destroyed or …