Support an Afghan Family's New Start in MN

UPDATE 8/1/2025: The team has been matched with an Afghan family of 3 plus a baby on the way! They will be arriving the first week of August. We will be updating our budget as housing and other details are finalized in the next few weeks.

Budget Note (Updated 8/5/2025):

Note about the fundraising goal amount: We've budgeted $12,000 for the first 3 months of funds for a family of 3. We've received a $3000 commitment from a veterans' grant, but this money is not 100% guaranteed. Additionally, we applied for a separate $3000 grant.

Both of these grants will donated through this go fund me, so they will be visible to everyone. Until we receive these grant, we will require a minimum of $6000, but additional donations would act as a contingency in case either of the $3000 grants becomes unavailable or to cover unanticipated expenses.

If there are excess funds after the 3 month resettlement period, these funds will be donated towards supporting refugees in MN or to another Sponsor Circle.

Help Us Welcome an Afghan Family to Our Community!

We are a small group of individuals from Restoration Anglican Church in Minneapolis. We are working through Sponsor Circle, a program that facilitates groups of individuals to directly support newly arriving Afghan families as they begin their lives in the United States. These families hold Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) that allow them to resettle despite the suspension of the US refugee admission program.

Our goal is to welcome an Afghan family to the US and provide them with the foundational support they need to thrive. By sponsoring a family, we aim to offer them not just material assistance, but also a network of friendship and a welcoming community from their very first days here.

Why Afghan Families Need Our Help:

Resettlement is an enormous undertaking, and while government and resettlement agencies historically provided initial assistance, the suspension of the US refugee admission program means they will not receive reception and placement services through historical means.

What is Sponsor Circle?

Sponsor Circle is a private sponsorship program that enables groups of individuals to take a leading role in welcoming newcomers. It pairs groups like ours with families, providing a framework and guidance for us to offer comprehensive resettlement support. This model fosters a direct, personal connection and ensures families receive dedicated assistance as they navigate a new culture and system.

How Donations Will Make a Difference:

As sponsors, our team is responsible for providing comprehensive support for the family's first 90 days in the U.S. This initial period is crucial for laying the groundwork for their long-term success and self-sufficiency. Financial contributions will directly fund these essential needs:

Safe & Secure Housing: Covering rent, security deposit, and initial utility bills for their first home.

Essential Furnishings: Providing beds, basic furniture (table, chairs, sofa), linens, kitchen supplies, and other household necessities to make their new house a comfortable home.

Daily Sustenance: Ensuring they have funds for groceries and culturally appropriate food until they can establish their own income and access benefits.

Transportation: Assisting with initial transportation needs, which might include public transport passes, help with understanding local routes, or rides to essential appointments.

Initial Needs & Welcome: Covering costs for clothing (especially if they arrive with few belongings), toiletries, and small items to make them feel welcome and settled.

Navigating New Systems: While we provide time and guidance, some funds may assist with incidental costs related to accessing English language classes or preparing for employment.

The funds we raise will serve as a bridge, allowing the family to focus on acclimatizing, learning English if needed, seeking employment, and enrolling in any available support services without the immediate stress of financial insecurity. The goal is to empower them to become self-sufficient and integrated members of our community as quickly as possible.

Beyond finances, material donations (e.g. household furnishings) will be needed down the road. The team will reach out once the exact needs and timing are known.

Thank you for considering supporting our sponsorship effort.