Global Water Scarcity: How Communities Are Overcoming Water Challenges

News & Updates | Posted Sunday, 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 …

How Community Gardens Are Feeding Families and Growing Hope

News & Updates | Posted Thursday, 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 …

Power in Every Voice: Celebrating Women Driving Global Change

News & Updates | Posted Sunday, March 8, 2026

Despite persistent legal and social inequities, women everywhere are rising to build stronger, fairer communities. Their voices, leadership and determination are driving meaningful change—on International Women’s Day and every day. The Barriers Women Confront Worldwide  Women around the world continue to face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing equal rights and opportunities. Globally, ten percent of women live in extreme poverty, and as …

Women Rising in Arid Lands: Resilience, Leadership and the Fight for Gender Justice

News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, February 25, 2026

CWS’s recent gender analysis in arid and semi-arid lands in Kenya shows that climate pressures are deepening existing gender inequalities, while also revealing that women’s leadership is central to building resilient households and communities.  Women and girls in arid and semi-arid lands in Kenya are experiencing some of the harshest effects of climate change. As drought deepens and rainfall becomes unpredictable, families face growing threats to food security and …

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Rev. Robert Lawrence “Lonnie” Turnipseed

News & Updates | Posted Monday, February 2, 2026

Church World Service joins colleagues and partners around the world in remembering Rev. Robert Lawrence “Lonnie” Turnipseed, who served CWS with profound dedication and visionary leadership. A memorial service will be held on February 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Derstine Chapel, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale, PA. More details about the service can be found here.  A Leader Rooted in Global Mission Lonnie’s connection to …

Church World Service distributes over half a million dollars to support food security for U.S. Communities in the aftermath of attacks on SNAP 

News & Updates | Posted Friday, November 14, 2025

Church World Service distributes over half a million dollars to support food security in the aftermath of attacks on SNAP  Elkhart, IN—This week, Church World Service (CWS) began distributing over half a million dollars ($506,359) in grant payments to local hunger-fighting agencies—including soup kitchens, food banks and social-service providers—as the first installment of funding raised through 2025 Fall CROP Hunger …

Season of Warmth: How CWS Helps Children Find Safety, Health and Hope

News & Updates | Posted Tuesday, November 4, 2025

CWS is helping children and families build safer and brighter futures. As the weather turns colder, we reflect on how to build warmth—through support, protection and empowerment for children in the United States and around the world.  You can feel the rhythm of daily life changing as autumn settles across much of the United States. The air cools, the pace …

2025 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2025 MENUDear CWS friends, It has been a stormy year. Since taking office in January, the new administration has dismantled the policies and structures that countless people rely on. They have attempted to deny the legitimate and legal claims of people seeking safety. They have cut vital food programs, undermined emergency response efforts and gutted services that millions …

Launch of Ecumenical Statement on Hunger Justice is Unifying Commitment by Congregations, Leading National Faith Groups, and People of Faith

News & Updates | Posted Tuesday, September 2, 2025

New initiative will strengthen social safety nets through practicing the teachings of Jesus Christ—through education, local and national advocacy, and volunteering  Washington, D.C.—Today, in a bold move to protect and strengthen social safety nets by joining faith with action, Church World Service (CWS) issued the 2025 Ecumenical Statement on Hunger Justice. The Statement, which is a clarion call for people …

The Rise of Global Hunger: From Scarcity to Solutions

News & Updates | Posted Friday, August 29, 2025

The world is currently experiencing a food crisis of unprecedented proportions. Conflict, climate extremes and poverty are among the primary drivers that have caused up to 319 million people across 67 countries to face chronic hunger. What causes global hunger? The world produces enough food to feed everyone on the planet. The issue isn’t supply—many of our global neighbors are …