AFGHAN REFUGEE NEWS
Things are progressing among the various agencies and departments preparing to assist once Afghan refugees will arrive in greater numbers in SA. They are well aware the faith community is ready to be activated and we will keep you updated.
If you, or your congregation, is willing to “adopt” an Afghan family to help them acclimate in the coming year please contact Wyndee Holbrook, wyndee@interfaithsaa.org.
Below is the latest news from CoSA’s Immigration Liaison, Tino Gallegos.
Ways to help today!
The world has watched the tragic collapse of the Afghan Government and the crisis of evacuees attempting to leave Afghanistan, many of whom assisted the U.S. military and government during the 20 years of U.S. presence in Afghanistan. We have received many calls and offers of assistance from our community, and we want to share information for the refugee support agencies in San Antonio who have received Afghan families and are assisting our Afghan neighbors who are concerned for their loved ones still in Afghanistan. Visit the U.S. State Department website on Afghanistan Inquiries for information on how to make arrangements for friends or family to leave Afghanistan.
The three refugee support agencies in San Antonio are:
At this time the Center for Refugee Services (CRS) has made a couple of specific requests for assistance:
CRS will begin welcoming our new Afghani residents this Monday, August 30. They will be supporting each family in steps with the most immediate needs first. Each week they will update our supporters on their needs.
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The first needs are cash donations (through CRS website) and gift cards (up to $100) for food/clothing.
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NEW pillows, twin blankets, towels, wash cloths, dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, and disposable face masks.
These items can be brought to Resurgent Church, 8134 Fredericksburg Rd beginning Friday, August 27 with hours M-F 10 am to 3 pm plus 7:30-8:30 pm on August 30, September 1,6, and 8 (Mon & Wed for 2 weeks only)
CRS is also signing up volunteers to welcome Afghan refugees.
You can sign up using Sign Up Genius:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4faeaf28abf8ce9-welcome
For more information on how to help Afghan refugees visit the Refugee Council USA page.