The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seeks to extend care to an ever-increasing number of God’s children in need. In 2023, this work of welfare, self-reliance, humanitarian aid, and volunteer service added up to more than US$1.3 billion in expenditures and 6.2 million hours volunteered.
As detailed in the 2023 summary, “Caring for Those in Need,” the Church’s 4,119 humanitarian projects blessed people in 191 countries and territories.
“As followers of Jesus Christ, we consider this to be both a duty and a joyful privilege,” the First Presidency said in the summary. “We gratefully acknowledge the selfless contributions of time and means from Church members, friends, and other trusted organizations that enable this work to progress and expand.”
Worldwide aid projects included 921 dedicated to helping women and children, 601 devoted to healthcare, 530 focused on food security, 415 engaged in emergency relief, 374 serving the homeless, and 206 providing clean water. JustServe had nearly 120,000 new JustServe users registered and more than 17,500 new JustServe projects created. And some 11,360 welfare and self-reliance missionaries, along with many thousands of Church members, contributed volunteer service.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with professional organizations that align with our vision to care for those in need,” said the Church’s Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé. “Our collaborations help us extend the impact of our efforts throughout the world as we follow the example of Jesus Christ to love and serve our neighbor.
The 43-page summary is available in 17 languages at Caring.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Many of the projects listed in the summary are made possible by collaboration with organizations such as WaterAid, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, Water for People, ShelterBox and more.
In 2023, the Church’s global humanitarian efforts continued to expand. In August, the Church pledged $44 million to reach children in 30 countries, supporting the comprehensive global hunger relief initiatives of various organizations. Later, in November, the Church initiated a program, led by the Relief Society, aimed at enhancing the health and development of children under 5 and their mothers. As part of this initiative, President Camille N. Johnson visited locations in the Philippines where children were screened for malnutrition and parents received training and support on the importance of dietary diversification.
“We want to empower families,” Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson said. “In many cases, loving parents lack the knowledge to provide adequate nutrition for their children. With greater understanding and resources, they are better equipped to make changes that can have a lasting impact.”
Another noteworthy facet of the Church’s assistance to those in need is the Light the World Giving Machines. These purpose-driven vending machines empower individuals to purchase items — such as meals or vaccinations — for those facing hardship worldwide. From November through December, approximately 600,000 people visited Giving Machines in Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States, collectively contributing $10.4 million in donations.
The Church of Jesus Christ extended its blessings in various other ways as well. The faith community allocated $8.7 million to the American Red Cross, aiding in the acquisition of biomedical equipment, mobile blood donation centers, and programs to assist those of African descent dealing with sickle cell disease. Additionally, the Church committed $3 million to support a historic malaria immunization campaign in Africa. Further donations were directed toward initiatives such as greenhouses in Bosnia, warm clothing for Chicago residents, healthcare in Ghana, wheelchairs in Guatemala, an African American schoolhouse in Louisiana, fire relief in Maui, infant health and hurricane relief in Mexico, a shelter for the homeless in Montreal, a prosthetics workshop in South Africa, clean water boreholes in The Gambia, and the establishment of a school in Zambia — among many other impactful endeavors.
And the Church of Jesus Christ remains committed to fulfilling the vision set forth by Prophet and President Russell M. Nelson in collaboration with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). One specific initiative that continued in 2023 involves providing support to infants and mothers in Memphis, Tennessee.
The MyBaby4Me program, launched in November 2022, aims to reduce infant mortality rates. Notably, the city’s 38126 ZIP code faces one of the highest infant mortality rates in the United States.
The 2023 summary encourages Latter-day Saints and friends of the faith to serve others in their community by identifying needs, building relationships, making plans, and sharing experiences. Each section of the summary has a “What Can I Do?” feature to help people act.
“We have faith and confidence in God’s love for all of His children,” the First Presidency said. “There are good people everywhere who help to carry out God’s work of salvation as they care for their neighbors and comfort them in their time of need. We invite all to join us as we reach out in love and service to one another, and we pray the Lord will continue to bless this great work.”