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Facing an uncertain future, Syrian refugees are struggling to survive. With violence continuing in their homeland, they wait in camps hoping that a country will offer them asylum. Catholic Relief Services supports the efforts of Pope Francis, who says "there must be no family without a home, no refugee without a welcome, no person without dignity."

As a humanitarian organization that has come to the aid of more than 1.25 million war-affected Syrians, CRS calls on all involved to allow those fleeing violence to reach safety. We continue to provide life-saving assistance to Syrian refugees across the Middle East and Europe.

“Far too many lives have been lost in this conflict, and we join Pope Francis’ call to protect human rights, grant safe passage for all those trying to flee the violence, and for urgent humanitarian aid to reach those who desperately need it.”

— Sean Callahan, President & CEO

While Catholic Relief Services is providing support to those in need, this crisis is turning into one of the greatest humanitarian emergencies today. Here are 7 ways you can make a difference in the lives of Syrian refugees.

How to help Syrian refugees

1. Donate

One of the best ways to help is through donating to accredited nonprofit organizations that are responding to the crisis. More than 90 percent of money donated to CRS goes directly to people in need.

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2. Learn More

The more you learn about this crisis, the more you’ll understand its underlying causes and can spread the word. Continued warfare in Syria, the drought in Somalia and violence in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, has contributed to the surge of refugees from those countries. Meanwhile, deteriorating economic conditions in places like Sub-Saharan Africa has led people to Europe in search of a better life. The refugee ban complicates matters.

Here are some good resources for you.

Read and Act:

• What We Are Doing: CRS’ Support of Syrian Refugees
• Syrian Refugees: Meet the People Everyone's Talking About
• 11 Things You May Not Know About Refugees

Watch and Engage:

• Syrian Family from Aleppo Finds Refuge in Europe
• CRS/Caritas Architects Find Shelter for Refugees in Athens
• The Beauty of Serving Refugees
• Annet’s Story in the Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement

3. Fundraise

You can provide direct assistance by setting up a page to raise money to support our emergency efforts. Your support will ensure that we can provide immediate assistance, including food, water, access to sanitation, legal services and medical care.

SET UP YOUR OWN FUNDRAISING PAGE

4. Advocate

For years, countries in the Middle East have been sheltering the largest number of Syrians and Iraqis. CRS is calling on the United States to continue and expand humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees in these countries, as well as those burdened by this new migration. Most importantly, the United States should lead concerted diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Syria.

But you have a part, too. Join our new campaign to urge our nation’s leaders to respond to the crisis, and write Congress urging them to take up the cause.

WRITE AN EMAIL TO CONGRESS

5. Use Social Media

Follow and retweet @CatholicRelief and @CRSNews on Twitter for the latest updates on the #RefugeeCrisis that’s reached Europe. Also, share the memes on this page on your social media channels to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.

 

 

 

6. Pray

Pray for protection for refugees around the world, as well as for personal transformation, as we face the needs of refugees everywhere, by using this Prayer for Refugees.

7. Support Refugees in the United States

Although CRS works exclusively overseas, there are many ways to help refugees in the United States. Join our new campaign to continue to make a difference. Support organizations such as Migration and Refugee Services and your local Catholic Charities. You can also volunteer to help refugees in your own area through local refugee resettlement centers.

DONATE NOW: Support Syrian Refugees >