In times of the unknown, military families stick up for each other. We understand the challenges of military life. We have seen our spouses come and go, leaving boots in the hallway, heard their worries and cares. When the announcement was made that the withdrawal from Afghanistan was happening, there was a flurry of emotions from service members and family members alike. For twenty years, many service members have deployed time and time again to Iraq and Afghanistan, building relationships with the people there. It is those relationships that brought about the desire to help the Afghan people and assist them while they leave their country as refugees.
If you are feeling lost and looking for a way to volunteer, here is a resource list. There are many location-specific opportunities to donate and volunteer, as well as general volunteering. These are organizations that have recently been organized or are shifting their purpose to assist in this new climate. Not every one of these resources was able to verify through CharityNavigator.org but this might be due to their newness and the paperwork to be listed as a 501c3 may still not be completed at the time of this writing.
There are many tasks ahead to assist with refugees including remote administrative, computer tasks, assisting with finding temporary housing, and foster parenting to name a few. Check out helptheafghans.org/volunteer-now to find opportunities
Soldiersangels.org is looking for in-kind donations and care packages.
Catholic Charities is working with refugees across the United States. Check out what their needs are within the Refugees section of their website at catholicchartitiesusa.org. They have posted local chapter needs on their websites as well.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service support refugees in their entrance into the United States. Check out the “Refugee Resettlement” tab on lirsconnect.org.
The UN Refugee Agency has supplies and people located where the refugees are and have shared their needs.
The Semper Fi & American’s Fund is collecting funds to assist Afghan Interpreters and their needs. Check out semperfifund.org to learn more about what you can do to help.
International Rescue Committee, UNICEF Afghanistan, and the Office of Refugee Resettlement have resources for where to donate and what to donate for the varying needs of the Refugees across the world.
California
The Afghan Support Project at Pars Equality Center is looking for those who can help with legal assistance.
Rescue Lives is looking for assistance with placing refugees in the LA Metro area.
Jewish Family and Community Services Easy Bay offers services to refugees in support, immigration legal services and resettlement.
DC Metro Area
The Lutheran Social Services is assisting in securing housing for families, setting up homes, providing meals and items in addition to help enroll children in school and getting families settled. They need help with donations, volunteer and advocate. The LSSNCA has three resettlement sites in the area at the time of this writing at Hyattsville, MD, Fairfax, VA and Dale City, VA.
Pennsylvania
The Nationalities Service Center in Philadelphia is looking for donations and volunteers to help set up homes and provide meals to refugees coming to the Philadelphia area. Check out nscphila.org to learn more of what they are looking for including partner organizations that are looking for donations as well.
Texas
Refugee Services of Texas is assisting Afghan refugees coming to the Texas area. They have direct donation lists and Amazon wish lists for incoming families on their website at rstx.org
Virginia
International Neighbors is helping settle refugee families in the Charlottesville, Virginia area to settle in the local area. They are looking for donations and volunteers.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has a link on their website for ways for local Wisconsin families to get involved in helping families settle in Wisconsin.
As resources are shared, this list will be updated. Share any resources below.
Do you have any information about organisations on AFB McGuire/Ft Dix, who house approximately 3000 Afgahns with their families? Would appreciate any information you can provide.
Thanks for all the information in the past. Read your article religiously.
VR,
Reinhild Avery