I was reading an article from USA for UNHCR recently that stopped me in my tracks.

It talked about how over 11 million people—yes, 11 million—are at risk of losing access to basic humanitarian aid this year due to massive funding cuts. These are people who have already fled war, persecution, or disaster. And now, because of a shrinking global budget, even things like food, medical care, clean water, education, and safe shelter are suddenly not guaranteed.

It felt wrong not to share.

What’s Happening

The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, is facing a $1.4 billion shortfall this year. Because of that, they’re being forced to make heartbreaking decisions about where to cut. That means:

Clinics are closing.
Schools are shutting down.
Women and children are losing access to safety and protection.
Refugee camps—already stretched thin—are struggling to meet even the most basic needs.

One of the most gutting stats I in Bangladesh, where 230,000 Rohingya refugee children may lose access to education programs. And in Uganda, where resources are already spread painfully thin, people are now dealing with malnutrition and contaminated water because services are being cut off.

Why This Matters to Us

We talk a lot on our blog about home—making it, decorating it, finding comfort in it. But the truth is, over 122 million people around the world don’t have a home right now. Not by choice. They’ve been forced to flee.

When we think about that—when we really sit with it—it’s impossible not to feel moved to do something.

What We’re Doing (and How You Can Help Too)

We made a donation to UNHCR this week. It’s small in the grand scheme, but we know that even modest support can help a family stay warm at night, a child stay in school, a mother access safe shelter.

If you feel compelled to help too, here are a few ideas: