1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

Lutheran Social Services is a network of nonprofit organizations operating across the United States, providing essential social services to individuals and families in need. LSS agencies operate independently in different states but share a commitment to serving vulnerable populations regardless of religious affiliation. Their work includes: Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Services – Many LSS organizations are key partners in resettling refugees, assisting with housing, employment, and integration services. They work under federal programs like the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, ensuring that refugees receive the support they need to become self-sufficient. The Lutheran part recently rebranded as Global Refuge. Disaster Response & Housing Assistance – LSS provides emergency relief and long-term recovery services following natural disasters. They also operate affordable housing programs for low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities. Child Welfare & Adoption Services – LSS agencies provide foster care placement, adoption services, and family counseling to ensure that children in difficult circumstances receive stable, loving homes. Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services – Many LSS agencies operate counseling centers, addiction treatment programs, and crisis intervention services, filling critical gaps in mental health care. Food Assistance & Community Support – LSS organizations run food pantries, meal programs, and nutrition assistance efforts to fight food insecurity in local communities. The claim that government grants or contracts with organizations like LSS are “illegal” is not just misleading—it’s a deliberate misrepresentation of how public-private partnerships function in the U.S. Competitive Grant Process – Many government-funded programs are awarded through a rigorous, competitive grant process where non-profits must demonstrate effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability. Federal and State Contracting – Governments have long relied on non-profits to administer social services efficiently. These contracts allow organizations with expertise and community trust to carry out federally mandated programs without requiring the government to directly manage every aspect of service delivery. A Proven Model – Public-private partnerships allow faith-based but non-proselytizing organizations like LSS and Catholic Charities to leverage private donations, volunteer networks, and local expertise, making government dollars stretch further and serve more people effectively. LSS and similar organizations exist precisely because communities need them. Cutting off their funding wouldn’t eliminate the need for food, housing, or resettlement services—it would simply make it harder for people to get help. If the goal is a healthy, self-sufficient society, then supporting organizations like LSS is not just smart policy—it’s essential.”