Who We Are
Since 1917, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), a human services and immigration relief and refugee welcome agency, has accompanied those in need throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. to foster resiliency, self-sufficiency, and access to opportunities. We provide services that last beyond the initial arrival for families, youth, children, and individuals rebuilding their lives in the D.C. metro area.
Motivated daily by our belief in the inherent dignity of all, LSSNCA’s innovative participant-informed programs serve refugees, forced migrants, immigrants, children and youth, and underserved communities by filling in the gaps. Piloting initiatives like the area’s first camp for kids impacted by the HIV/AIDS crisis, originating local pro se asylum workshops for Afghan Allies, launching a Resource Center to serve as a community hub for all recently arrived program participants, and offering myriad trauma-informed mental health support services, LSSNCA strives to create thriving communities.
Our Impact (Fiscal Year 2023)
From the Newsroom
Weekly updates on the national state of play on policies, litigation, and programs that welcome refugees, its impact on the community LSSNCA serves, and ways for you to engage to ensure we continue to be a nation that welcomes people seeking safety.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area is deeply concerned about the fate of Afghans and Cameroonians whose lives are now at risk due to the administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for individuals from Afghanistan and Cameroon.
Many religions center “welcoming the stranger” as a mandate. What will come next for faith-based refugee groups as their ability to practice a good Samaritan approach is tested by Trump administration orders halting refugees?
