The plight of people who have been driven from their homes is close to the hearts of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As an organization with its own “refugee heritage,” the Church seeks to follow Christ’s instruction to welcome the stranger, which we accomplish both through humanitarian projects and through the service and compassion of our members.
Individuals who have been displaced from their homes often experience acute needs for food, shelter, and other necessities. In addition to meeting these immediate needs, the Church seeks to provide resources and tools that lead to long-term solutions and self-reliance.
Shelter
The Church collaborates with many organizations around the world to address immediate shelter needs for those who have been displaced. Within the United States, the Church also donates clothing, furniture, and other necessities to community organizations seeking to provide stable, long-term housing for displaced people.
Feeding the Hungry
As part of its humanitarian work, the Church works with other trusted organizations to address hunger needs among individuals and families who have been displaced or fled their homes. In addition, the Church donates millions of pounds of food each year to aid vulnerable communities.
Employment
To help those who have been displaced, the Church engages in humanitarian projects worldwide that provide employment opportunities to displaced persons. In the United States, those seeking refuge can learn job skills, job search practices, and English through the Humanitarian Center and the Church’s Employment Services.
Church members offer refuge to those in their community, welcoming them into their homes and giving them the resources they need.
Local Church Leaders
Local Church leaders connect displaced individuals and families with local and Church-owned resources and services.
Collaborating Organizations
The Church often works with like-minded organizations to provide food, shelter, and other needed resources to those seeking refuge around the world.
How Can I Get Involved?
Those displaced from their homes need to be shown love and support. Here are some ideas of things you can do to care for displaced individuals and families in your community.
Connect with local organizations that focus on caring for those who are displaced to see what help they need.
Find projects on JustServe.org by filtering your search to “Immigrants & Refugees.”
Start a drive to collect needed items for people in your community.
See What the Church Did Last Year
Learn how the Church cared for including individuals and families seeking refuge in the Caring for Those in Need Summary.