Caring for Those Seeking Refuge

Big Brother/ Be a Sincere Friend
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.

—Elder Patrick Kearon, general conference, April 2016

Immediate and Long-term Aid
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.
Refugees
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.
Church service missionaries working in Bishops' Storehouse warehouse
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 Services Center
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.
EnglishConnect - Houston
Education
The Church provides several resources to help individuals who are settling in a new country advance their learning so they can better acclimate to their new homes. English learning courses, financial aid for higher learning, and affordable online higher education all help displaced people increase their self-reliance.

Who Provides Help to Displaced Persons?

EnglishConnect - Pleasant Grove
Church Members
Church members offer refuge to those in their community, welcoming them into their homes and giving them the resources they need.
Meetings
Local Church Leaders
Local Church leaders connect displaced individuals and families with local and Church-owned resources and services.
Humanitarian aid
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 in 2023

In 2023, the Church expended $1.36 billion to care for those in need—including individuals and families seeking refuge.
Caring for Those in Need: 2023 Summary