Brothers Faysal (22) and Khalid (19) are returning to the Twin Cities after surviving a harrowing ordeal. What began as a summer trip to visit family in Somalia turned into an unexpected and traumatic experience. Instead of enjoying time with loved ones, they were placed in a re-education camp with extremely challenging conditions, similar to those described in recent news reports (for example, https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/mar/12/somali-rehab-re-education-camps-where-children-are-locked-up-beaten-and-abused). For over a year, Faysal and Khalid endured hardship and uncertainty, separated from their home and community in Minnesota.

After finally escaping, they are returning to Minnesota on January 27, but they face significant challenges as they try to rebuild their lives. They are no longer connected to their family, and they have no resources to cover their basic needs. In addition, they owe the U.S. government for their “repatriation loan,” which funded their emergency lodging and flight home. And, despite being U.S. citizens from Minnesota, they need time back home to apply for and qualify for many assistance programs.

The transition back to daily life is daunting, and they need support to find stability and hope again.

Your donation will help Faysal and Khalid with essentials like initial housing, food, and other immediate needs while they get back on their feet. It will also help them repay their repatriation loan, easing the financial burden as they start over.

Please consider supporting these two young men as they work to heal and rebuild. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in their journey home.