Church World Service ready to help any refugees after Ukraine invasion

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - International conflicts are all too real for many in Harrisonburg.

Refugee resettlement services are ready to help any refugees who arrive in the United States. Church World Service (CWS) operates in Harrisonburg, in addition to many other locations across the U.S.

CWS helps refugees get things like warm meals, shelter and clothing, and they said within just a few months, many of their clients are working and adjusting to life in America.

Emily Bender, Church World Service Development and Communications Coordinator, said they’ve worked with refugees from Ukraine. She said there’s no way to know how conflicts around the world will impact the refugee population in the Valley.

“We do know some of our clients and former clients were maybe in the family reunification process and have family who are still in Ukraine, so we are hopeful that this situation doesn’t disrupt that family reunification process,” said Bender.

She said they’ll stay in touch with clients who may be impacted by the invasion.

“We’re also concerned for those family members safety and we’re hopeful that they will be able to get to the U.S.,” she said.

While they don’t know how things will change for them, she said they’ll be ready to help, should anyone need it.

“We work with people who have been forced to leave their homes, so we really do stand with people who are in this situation,” said Bender.

To learn more about their work or how to get involved, visit their website.

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