Catholic Relief Services

Join in prayer and support for the people of South Sudan

The countries of South Sudan and Sudan face a dire humanitarian situation due to a combination of conflict, climate-driven crises, and displacement. In South Sudan, consecutive years of extreme flooding have led to a significant displacement of people and loss of lands and assets. An estimated 7.1 million people, or 59% of the country's population, are experiencing a level of food deprivation that puts their lives or livelihoods in immediate danger. Families are selling whatever they own to try to survive but are facing starvation, critical levels of acute malnutrition, and even death. An influx of more than 700,000 refugees or returnees from neighboring Sudan due to an ongoing conflict there has excacerbated the situation as has an increasing number of people returning to South Sudan from Ethiopia due to a spike in violence there.

In Sudan, the humanitarian crisis is worsening due to an ongoing armed conflict that began in April 2023. More than 10.5 million people have been displaced, and the fighting has destroyed infrastructure, limiting people's access to water, healthcare, and other goods and services. Across the country, 25.6 million people, more than half the population, face severe food shortages.

Despite significant challenges, CRS and its local partners are continuing its efforts to serve people in both countries, prioritizing its emergency response efforts in those areas most severely impacted. In South Sudan, that includes working with the World Food Program to distribute food rations, providing monetary assistance to help people buy food and essential items, helping to increase food production in vulnerable areas, and repairing and constructing water systems. [Read more]

In Sudan, CRS is working to ensure access to safe drinking water by providing water trucks and fuel for motorized pumps at water stations. It is also providing families with kits of essential sanitation and hygiene items, constructing or repairing water points and sanitation systems, and training staff on water treatment and management. [Read more]

Please join in prayer for the people of South Sudan and Sudan and please consider supporting CRS in its efforts to help them.

Help families affected by violence in the Holy Land

Since the early morning of October 7, thousands have been killed and even more are wounded as a result of hostilities in the Holy Land. Additionally, an estimated one million people have been displaced. There is great risk of additional suffering in the Holy Land. Pope Francis has called on people worldwide to “pray that there be peace in Israel and Palestine.”

Catholic Relief Services and Caritas partners on the ground need immediate support to meet urgent humanitarian needs as the situation intensifies. Careful to adapt as the context changes, we are assisting people who are especially vulnerable, prioritizing first aid and care, bedding, winter supplies and cash vouchers.

With your gift, families affected by violence in Gaza and wherever needed in the Holy Land will receive assistance. Your prayers and support will make so much difference. Donate here.

Help End Global Hunger

The global food crisis is escalating. Food banks across the United States have seen a massive increase in demand, but the U.S. is not the only country that has felt the pain of hunger. Places like South Sudan, Guatemala, and the Philippines saw an increase in need because of COVID-19 effects, and now, the war in Ukraine is increasing food prices around the world and diminishing the supply of food staples like wheat, maize, and sunflower oil.

Today, upwards of 700 million people - more than double the entire population of the U.S. - are undernourished, the majority of them children. Complicated factors like poverty, conflict, and climate change all contribute to the increasing number of people who don't have enough food. [Help now]

Support the people of Ukraine

Your help is needed in Ukraine where there is great risk of suffering for those remaining within the country and for those fleeing to neighboring countries for safety.  CRS and its Caritas partners are ready to provide safe shelter, hot meals, hygiene supplies, fuel to keep warm, transport to safe areas, counseling support, and more. Read about the work being done and how you can help.

Children in Faith: Learning to Pray and Color with José

Teach your children or grandchildren to pray beautiful Catholic prayers while coloring and connecting with our Catholic faith. Download the free Catholic prayer book "Children in Faith: Learning to Pray and Color with José."