We Can Answer God's Call to Care for Those in Need
The two great commandments can guide us: first, to love God and, second, to love our neighbor. We show our love by serving.
2025 Caring Report Coming March 10th
The Caring for Those in Need Report highlights humanitarian projects and the stories of both givers and receivers in different areas of the world. Come back on March 10th to learn how the Church cared for those in need in 2025.
Our Covenants to Care for Others
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we strive to follow His example by caring for people in need. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints promise, or covenant, to serve their neighbors in need.
How Are We Serving Together as a Church?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides global relief to those in need while building long-term self-reliance so those individuals can uplift their lives and communities. The Church accomplishes this through service, collaborations, and donations.
2024 Overall Statistics
How Can I Serve People in Need?
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we can honor our covenants by serving others—through both simple, individual acts of kindness and larger, organized efforts within our communities. Consider these four guiding principles to get started:
- Identify a Need: Every community has individuals and families in need. Prayerfully seek to recognize them.
- Build Meaningful Relationships: Service becomes more effective and lasting when it is rooted in love and collaboration.
- Make a Plan: Thoughtfully prepare to meet immediate needs while also supporting long-term self-reliance.
- Share Your Experiences: As you serve, share your experiences to uplift others and inspire continued service.
Find Ways to Serve in Your Community
Stories of Caring in Action
Resources for Caring for Those in Need
What resources does the Church offer to care for those in need?
The Church offers several welfare and self-reliance services and products to uplift and care for people in need, including:
- Employment Services: For those seeking jobs
- Self-reliance courses: For those who want to learn self-reliance skills
- The Addiction Recovery Program: For those who need help recovering from addiction
- Perpetual Education Fund: For those who need help getting a higher education
For more, see the full list of Welfare and Self-Reliance Resources. Talk to your local Church leaders if you would like to be connected to these resources and more.
How can I help others with their life challenges?
Knowing what to say and how to help others in difficult situations can be challenging, but it can also make a big, positive difference. Explore Life Help to learn how you can help others through challenges, including addiction, abuse, grief, and mental health struggles.
What service mission options are there?
Interested in serving a service mission? Service missions are a great opportunity for people, young or old, who want to serve non-proselytizing missions. There are a variety of missions to choose from to fit your needs, whether you would like to volunteer from home, at a Church-owned location, or in your community.
For example, you can serve in Employment Services Centers, Bishops’ Storehouses, or canneries and production facilities. You can also serve through facilitating Addiction Recovery groups, teaching self-reliance courses, or developing local humanitarian projects. Check out service missionary opportunities like these and more here.
How are my donations used to help others?
When you donate to the Church’s humanitarian efforts, your money is used to care for Church members and others’ temporal needs around the world, including bringing immediate relief and setting people up for long-term self-reliance.
For a deeper breakdown, see how the Church handles donations.
How can I donate to humanitarian efforts?
If you’d like to donate to the Church to further the Lord’s work of caring for those in need, visit philanthropies.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Just remember that you don’t need money to make a difference. Your time and efforts to serve your community can strengthen others and lead them on the path of self-reliance. Find opportunities to serve in your community on JustServe.org.
Spotlighted Efforts
Humanitarian Efforts of the Church
See Where We Work
How the Church Works with Others
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides humanitarian aid worldwide, assisting people of all faiths, races, and backgrounds to show the Savior’s love to all people. To do this, it collaborates with other entities, such as:
- Global Relief Organizations
- Governments
- Local communities
- Volunteers
Working with others allows the Church to make a greater impact on urgent needs and long-term self-reliance all over the world. For more information, read about the Church’s collaborations with other organizations.