Afghan Refugee Assistance: First Efforts

While our efforts in Uganda have continued through the pandemic, we’ve also been busy here in the US. In August 2021, the world watched the tangled situation in Afghanistan. The United States (US) State Department, under a program called “Operation Allies Welcome,” granted about 74,000 refugees with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) because of their selfless assistance to the US which put them in extreme danger from the Taliban.

You can help!

Many families left with barely the clothes on their back. Given our partnership with other charities and ministries, we are focused on technology solutions:

Our current identified need is for 20 laptops (includes one mouse and protective case). Click here to donate via Amazon Smile and ship the actual donated equipment to one of our team members who will hand deliver them to the refugee families.
If you would rather give a cash donation, use our PayPal link.

Since October, families have lived in Extended Stay hotel rooms on International Drive. This temporary housing placement follows the mass evacuations from Kabul amidst the grips of the Taliban in mid-August. From Afghanistan, several refugees were sent to other countries first, including Qatar and Germany, before ultimately landing on U.S. soil.

As a technology enabler for other non-profits and charities, we have long partnered with other technology organizations, like the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center that connects communities in crisis. One of HFC’s last major efforts supported Puerto Rico in 2017 during a devasting hurricane season.

Photo: Aaron Mayhew (https://loveaaco.org)

Photo: Aaron Mayhew (https://loveaaco.org)

Photo: Aaron Mayhew (https://loveaaco.org)

Photo: Aaron Mayhew (https://loveaaco.org)

Last week, we received word that 40 Afghan refugees were currently living in hotels near BWI airport. The hotels are only miles from some of our homes and we engaged with local churches and community organizations to find out more information. An initial coalition of support was formed and we knew HFC would play a pivotal role in this disaster response effort.

“Not only did [the refugees] go through a tragedy before they arrived, they’re going through this turmoil and tragedy now that they’re here and that shouldn’t be happening,” said Jenna Whitney, who organized Sundays giveaway.

As the situation unfolds, our team is beginning our support with donations of food, clothing, supplies and technical assistance to those caught up in this desperate situation. The Baltimore Sun previously published additional ways to provide assistance.