My name is Michael Black. I live in Maryland and teach English as a Second Language to immigrants and refugees. I've come in contact with a group working with Afghan refugees living in the metropolitan DC area. This group has introduced us to an Afghan refugee who previously worked for the UN in Afghanistan. We are raising funds to help him buy a used car. Here is his story.

R worked for the UN in Afghanistan. He is married with two young daughters. When the Taliban overran the government, he tried to get out with his family by going to the airport in Kabul. After trying for two days, he gave up and returned home with his family. However, a friend in the US then called him and asked if he would try to help his friend's sister get to the airport. He agreed and was able to get not only her in but he was able to get in as well! But his wife and daughters were still at home. After calling his wife from the airport, they agreed that he should try to get out on his own because of the danger to his life. He was able to take one of the planes flying out Afghan nationals but his wife and daughters had to stay behind in Kabul.

R has been in the US for over a year now. He works at a cafe and sends money back to Afghanistan to support his wife and daughters who are now 2 and 4 years old. Despite all of these trials and hardships, R remains positive and hopeful. He is grateful for the opportunities he has in the US and hopes to bring his family to the US.

What he needs now is a used car. As anyone living in the DC metropolitan area knows, it is very challenging to live here without one, particularly where R lives. Having one will alleviate the burden of taking public transportation or relying on the goodwill of friends.

He has saved up to buy a used car but needs a little more to get something that is reliable. We anticipate the total cost to be around $10K. This effort seeks to raise $3K, which will be provided to him once he has found the right car for him. Thank you kindly for anything you can contribute.