The scenes from Kabul have been heartbreaking. With the fall of Afghanistan, around 550,000 people have been displaced this year and tens of thousands hope to be rescued. Already Seattle refugee organizations have welcomed several hundred migrants, with more expected.
Fauntleroy Church’s Immigration Task Force is currently mobilizing to help. Members are exploring how to provide housing, kits that will aid resettlement, and information to the greater Fauntleroy Church community on how you can help.
If you are looking for ways to respond, know that several organizations are looking for volunteers. They need help with:
Apartment Set-Up
Airport Pick-Up
Kits that will aid in setting up a kitchen, a bath or other essentials.
Meal Assistance
Transportation Assistance
Mentorship
Tutoring
English as a Second Language Aide
Writing to my congressperson on behalf of Afghan Allies
Financial contributions.
In addition, consider opportunities to equip yourself to be supportive allies of these refugees and other marginalized people. While we currently see an outpouring of compassion for those forced to leave Afghanistan, we know it’s not long before most refugees encounter racism and intimidation. Admiral UCC is offering a Bystander Intervention Training on Saturday, September 11, from 1-3PM, in Admiral UCC’s sanctuary. This role-play workshop helps participants learn to respond to incidents of hate speech or to de-escalate situations where someone is being harassed. You can sign up for this free Bystander Intervention Training by emailing antihate3@gmail.com . The training is in person and requires masks and distancing on-site. (Donations are accepted.)
Here are the websites of organizations currently asking for help:
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
Seeking volunteers for many of the services listed above. To sign up to volunteer, email siv@lcsnw.org. Financial contributions can be made at https://lcsnw.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lcsnw/donation.jsp?campaign=148& or by mailing to LCSNW – Donations Lockbox #1034, PO Box 35146, Seattle WA 98124-5145 (Write refugee services in the memo line).
International Rescue Committee, Seattle
Besides seeking volunteers for services, IRC is holding two information sessions for volunteer opportunities on Sept. 7 and Sept. 10. They have a background explainer on what is happening in Afghanistan and a donation page at https://www.facebook.com/donate/1499796960360335/
Also seeking volunteers for services as well as welcome kits for the kitchen or bed/bath. A kitchen kit would include utensils, bowls, plates, pots and pans and other items that would be placed in a bin and delivered to their Kent offices. See https://worldrelief.org/content/uploads/2021/08/BUILD-A-WELCOME-KIT_household-items.pdf
Has posted an Amazon wish list of mostly home goods and especially car seats needed for new arrivals. Cash donations can be made at https://www.jfsseattle.org/give-email/
Diocese of Olympia’s Refugee Resettlement Office
Volunteers are needed to teach English, mentor youths and provide services. Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/dioceseofolympiaincIn
Afghan Health Initiative (Having trouble getting this link) and Afghan American Community of Washington
These two nonprofits have provided a range of services to Washington’s Afghan community in the past and are gearing up to assist in the resettlement effort.
In addition, the UCC has issued a toolkit for how churches and individuals can welcome Afghan refugees.
Finally, the Immigration Task Force, while welcoming this new challenge, is also very aware of the growing number of asylees at the Southern border. We would welcome new members, and you could email us at dispraguew@gmail or bobwyss@gmail.
Dianne Sprague and Bob Wyss
Immigration Task Force Chairs
