Here’s How To Help Afghan Refugees In The D.C. Area

 From the DCist, full story and list with contact information here.

Here’s how to help:

Catholic Charities Migration & Refugee Services: The Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington has a guide to assist Afghan SIV-holders and their families. The charity is accepting household items, furniture, and connections to short and long-term housing. They are also looking for donations and items on its Amazon wishlist for the families.

Ethiopian Community Development Council: The Arlington-based agency, established by the U.S. State Department to resettle refugees, is seeking volunteers to help with apartment set-ups, airport pick-ups, and more; as well as donations to help with food, housing, and clothing assistance.

HIAS: The Silver Spring-based nonprofit provides humanitarian assistance to refugees and has a list of ways people can help Afghan refugees — including donating, providing housing, and contacting politicians to advocate for their safe relocation.

Homes Not Borders: The non-profit organization has been furnishing homes for Afghan refugees for five years. The group needs couches, dresses, and new mattresses, as well as volunteers and monetary donations.

International Rescue Committee: The group started a Welcome to Maryland Fund to support Afghan refugee families that have settled in the state. “The IRC has resettled more than 16,000 Afghan SIV recipients since Congress established the program in 2006, and is committed to ensuring that these families are given a chance to seek safety and rebuild their lives in the United States,” the group writes online. The group also has an Amazon wishlist for refugees.

Local businesses: A handful of local businesses are collecting donations. The Berliner and Lapis are accepting drop-offs of new and lightly used items ranging from lamps and kitchen utensils to toilet paper and soap. Ivy and Coney raised more than $3,000 for HIAS. And the Orangetheory Fitness studio is collecting donations of household goods at its Georgetown location.

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area : The organization welcomed 68 families — about 300 people — and expects at least another 150 individuals to arrive soon, according to its website. LSSNCA is accepting donations but has paused accepting new volunteers due to high response. The donations help arrange for travel from the airport, secure housing for the families, and supply them with groceries, among other needs.

Know of other organizations and establishments helping Afghan refugees resettle in the D.C. area? Email us here and send us the information.