Catholic Relief Services requests action, support

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is asking for assistance from the public in light of the federal government’s recent pause of humanitarian aid. The organization is noting that millions of children and adults are at risk.

CRS was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. CRS now reaches more than 200 million people in over 100 countries.

“Your help is urgently needed! Let your members of Congress know that you are deeply concerned about the administration’s recent decision to stop work on almost all humanitarian and development assistance programs. Organizations have started receiving some payments of U.S. foreign assistance funding; however. Thousands of foreign assistance programs remain terminated,” from a CRS flier.

The organization notes that ceasing such assistance will significantly impact the vulnerable and impact U.S. national interests.

“As people of faith, let us stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters and brothers in need. Tell Congress to engage with the administration to ensure humanitarian and development assistance programs can operate during the review process,” the organization stated.

Supporters are asked to contact their legislators via this link: https://bit.ly/43kAfC3.
 
To learn more and/or to make a contribution to CRS, go to www.crs.org.
 
CRS explained their approach to foreign aid is “to partner with people to help them build better futures by providing the resources and tools they need to overcome challenges and thrive.”
“When societies thrive, they contribute to greater global stability, reduce the risk of conflict and create safer, more prosperous environments that benefit everyone, including us,” from CRS.

The USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace pointed out that less than 1% of the annual federal budget is poverty-reducing foreign assistance. The committee noted that the proposed foreign aid cuts “would have an incredible impact on the ability to serve populations in need and advance U.S. interests. It is critical that we voice our support for the highest funding levels possible to help families and children in need around the world.”