Church World Service - Florida

A missed paycheck. An empty pantry. A family starting over from scratch.

These realities affect thousands of people across Miami-Dade every day with more than more than 527,000 households in our county earning above the federal poverty level, but don't make enough to afford basic living expenses.

For more than 60 years, CWS Florida has helped individuals and families overcome barriers to stability and build brighter futures, when families face hunger and uncertainty we meet them where they are. From food assistance and employment services to refugee resettlement, immigration legal support, youth mentorship, and mental health resources, CWS Florida provides immediate relief while creating pathways to long-term stability.

We believe whether someone is new to South Florida or has called Miami home for generations, everyone deserves access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Fighting Food Insecurity Across Florida Hunger doesn't discriminate, and neither do we.

Our food programs are open to everyone in need, regardless of background or circumstance. Through community food distributions in Miami and prepared meal services in Tampa, we're helping families put food on the table while reducing one of the greatest barriers to stability.

5,163 individuals received food assistance across Florida this year alone.

Welcoming New Neighbors 

We help newcomers access housing, essential resources, and individualized support as they rebuild their lives across Florida

240 individuals welcomed and resettled during FY25

Providing Immigration Legal Services

We help individuals and families navigate an increasingly complex immigration system with comprehensive legal assistance and support. Through our programs, we work to protect the rights of immigrants, expand legal access, and empower our community through knowledge.

3,088 individuals received immigration legal services in South Florida FY25

Supporting Mental Health & Resilience

Through community-based workshops, partnerships, referrals, and supportive services, we help individuals and families access the tools and resources they need to build resilience and thrive across Florida.

508 individuals received mental health support, education, or referrals throughout FY25

373 individuals enrolled in our Preferred Communities program

Building Pathways to Self-Sufficiency

From employment readiness and workforce development to vocational training, child care, and career support, we help individuals build economic stability throughout Florida.

1,838 employment orientations and support provided in FY25

1,982 individuals successfully found employment in FY25

74 Families enrolled in Childcare assistance in FY25

Investing in Youth & Families

Through mentoring, education, health promotion, and family-centered programming, we help young people build confidence, skills, and brighter futures.

917 mentoring hours provided to South Florida youth during FY25

 

The Impact Behind the Numbers

Every statistic tells a story, but some impacts cannot be measured by numbers alone.

When Elsy arrived in the United States as a refugee with her family, she faced a path full of challenges: an unfamiliar country, a new culture, complicated laws, a language barrier, lack of resources, and a healthcare system that seemed impossible to navigate. Everything felt overwhelming all at once. Through the programs at Church World Service, Elsy found more than support—she found hope. She received guidance, referrals, help scheduling medical appointments, transportation, financial assistance to prevent losing her home, and support with medical bills when she could no longer manage them. She also gained access to English and employment programs, and help managing her health insurance and specialists.

Then came the toughest battle: cancer. In the midst of darkness, CWS stayed by her side with case management, resources, time, and humanity. Months of treatments, symptoms, and fear did not defeat her. Today, Elsy is closer to living fully and enjoying moments with her daughters and family.

Whether someone is seeking safety, putting food on the table, building job skills, or finding support during a difficult season, CWS Florida helps create pathways to stability, resilience, and opportunity.