Emergency Preparedness Response and RecoveryWhen disaster strikes, CWS’ Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery program ensures that our most vulnerable neighbors receive the support they need as they rebuild their lives. At times, this support comes in the form of our CWS Kits and Blankets, which helps individuals meet their basic needs and gives them the materials needed to clean up …
News & Updates | Posted Monday, December 11, 2023
Situation: Over the weekend, a series of deadly tornadoes swept across Tennessee and surrounding states, killing at least six people and damaging hundreds of homes. The tornadoes caused widespread power outages and, as of Monday morning, more than 17,000 houses and businesses were without power, where temperatures dipped below freezing. Preliminary damage assessments are scheduled in many areas while first …
News & Updates | Posted Friday, December 1, 2023
Story by: Jose Ruiz Caseworker Tania Landi and Community Engagement Specialist Jose Ruiz recently traveled from New York City to meet with a client, referred to in this story by the pseudonym Miguel, to safeguard his privacy. Miguel’s story is a narrative emblematic of countless others navigating the web of migration’s challenges. In a mountain-filled U.S. city, we met with …
News & Updates | Posted Tuesday, November 21, 2023
When Hurricane Idalia threatened communities in Florida this past summer, the vast ocean surrounding Plymouth Harbor Retirement Home transformed from a source of peace to one of danger. In less than four hours, staff had to evacuate more than 250 seniors, who average about 85 years of age, to safety. Many residents left with very limited belongings and strong winds …
News & Updates | Posted Friday, November 3, 2023
Ann Arbor, MI—Earlier this month, Church World Service as part of its effort to celebrate legacy congregations across the nation for their commitment to humanitarian causes, honored Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor. For nearly fifty years, Bethlehem UCC and its congregants have dedicated themselves to aiding CWS in providing sustainable responses to poverty and life-saving disaster response …
ANNUAL REPORT 2023 MENUDear CWS friends, As a vital part of the CWS family, you know that together we speak up for our communities with everything we’ve got. One core value we champion is that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. This year, too many families have lost their safe homes. Inflation and rising food prices have made …
News & Updates | Posted Thursday, July 20, 2023
A Letter to the Church in America Dear American Church, I am writing to you today with deep concern for the vulnerable among us, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Apostle Paul in his letters to the early Christian communities. As Paul exhorted the Roman Christians to live transformed lives in Christ, I want to urge the church in …
News & Updates | Posted Thursday, June 29, 2023
“Our lives have changed.” “This was traumatic.” “It’s going to take so many years to recover from this.” These are just some of the things that Liliana Zamora, program manager at Community Bridges, heard from residents of Pajaro, California following the intense flooding that occurred in March. Pajaro is a community in Monterey River County and is separated from the …
News & Updates | Posted Thursday, June 29, 2023
Imagine you’re asleep when you hear waves crashing onto a surface. For a second you wonder, “Am I dreaming?” until you feel the water creep onto your bed. You jump to your feet, making a splash, and your instincts kick in. Your home is no longer safe, you need to get out. This is what many families and individuals in …
News & Updates | Posted Thursday, June 8, 2023
In 2011, Joel Edwards left his home country of Jamaica to start a new life in Brooklyn, New York. Eventually, his passion for serving others led him to the non-profit, Beyond Walls, which supports underserved communities in the area. Today, Joel is Operations Director and continues to serve and advocate for these families and individuals. Through the years, Joel has …