The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to push millions of children and families deeper into poverty, erasing hope for the future and years of hard work. It is estimated that 27 million more people will fall into poverty as a result of the pandemic, the first increase in the global poverty rate in more than 20 years.

Please continue to pray for those deeply impacted by this pandemic. Our Compassion staff, volunteers and frontline church partners across the world are working diligently and creatively to address immediate needs and to help vulnerable children and their families rebuild from lasting effects of the pandemic. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Below, you can find the most up-to-date reports from the regions where we work, including current letter and gift delivery statuses. Please continue to check this page for further updates.

How Can You Help?

A pandemic like COVID-19 plus the challenges of poverty equals disaster. Our partner church workers around the world are courageously helping children and families who face ongoing challenges created by COVID-19. You can help provide food essentials, medical care, educational support and more by giving toward Compassion’s Critical Program Needs Fund. Thank you so much for your willing heart!

FAQ About Compassion’s Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak

During this time, we are working alongside our frontline church partners to adapt how we minister to children in poverty. The mission has not changed, but many of the methods have. Below are answers to some questions we’ve received about how Compassion and our field staff are operating during this crisis.

What is the status of my child’s Compassion center? What does that status mean?

Starting in December 2020, we began receiving notifications of the status of each center, and we are working to keep sponsors updated of changes. If you want to know the current status of your child’s center, please call 800-336-7676, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MT, and one of our sponsor care representatives will be glad to look up that information for you.

If you do know your child’s center status and would like to know more about what that status means, please refer to the definitions below.

  • Distance Only: Staff and volunteers are not able to go to children’s homes due to local restrictions and safety precautions. Therefore, all communications are being done through virtual means. Staff at many distance-only centers are using video lessons, broadcasting lessons on local radio stations, and making regular phone calls to identify family needs and ensure that each child and family feels known and loved. Staff are also delivering supplies, including food and hygiene items, as they are safely able.
  • Home Visits Only: Staff and volunteers are able to visit children and their families in their homes. Many are delivering grocery packs and hygiene supplies as well as lesson packets. Their visits serve as a time of education and encouragement for the children.
  • Meeting in Small Groups: Children have been able to gather at the Compassion partner church in small groups with a tutor, staff member or volunteer. In these small groups, they receive lessons and get valuable social time with their friends and the center staff. Staff members continue to identify needs of the families they serve and distribute food and hygiene supplies where appropriate.
  • Normal Program Activities: The center has fully reopened and normal program activities have resumed. These centers have been deep cleaned and are implementing extra precautions — per local guidelines — such as social distancing and mask wearing to ensure children and staff stay safe and healthy.
  • Unable to Report Status: At this time, your child’s center has not been able to report its status. This could be for a variety of reasons, including poor internet connection. Please know that even if your child’s center status is unavailable, your child is being checked on by workers from the center. Partner staff are identifying needs and ensuring that families have access to hygiene supplies and food.