We are a small group of volunteers helping an Afghan refugee family settle in southern California. Specifically, our GoFundMe campaign's goal is to raise funds to purchase a used car and auto insurance for Samira and Naseer so that they can get to work and ESL classes.

Samira and her husband Naseer, are newly arrived refugees raising their 3-year-old daughter, with a new baby expected in December. They’ve already faced challenges most of us can’t imagine, yet remain determined to build a safe, stable, and hopeful future for their family here in our community.

The Family's Background

Samira grew up in Balkh, a historic city in northern Afghanistan, and holds a BA in Political Science. She joined Promote, a USAID initiative supporting Afghan women, and launched an online clothing shop that served women across multiple provinces. She produced garments herself and imported items from Iran and Turkey. After marrying Naseer, whom she’s known since childhood, she relocated to India. However, following the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2021, financial transactions between Afghanistan and India became impossible, forcing her to pause her business.

Naseer was raised in Kabul and completed high school there. Before starting college, he survived a traumatic explosion while working at a telecommunications company. His family sent him to India for safety and education, where he earned both a BA and MA in Business Management. He later worked for an Indian company and launched several small ventures to support his family amid legal restrictions on his stay.

In December 2024, Samira and Naseer’s immigration case to the U.S. was approved. Because he did not arrive through a resettlement agency, the family did not receive the standard per capita “Welcome Money.” Upon arrival, Naseer quickly found part-time work at a restaurant and now holds a full-time position at a medical equipment company, earning minimum wage.

The Family's Current Situation and Needs

One of the biggest challenges they face is transportation. Samira, who is pregnant, currently takes the bus to attend ESL classes, a long and exhausting commute. She hopes to begin phlebotomy courses this spring 2026, but the bus ride would take over three hours each way. Without a car, access to education, work, and healthcare remains a daily struggle. A dependable vehicle will open the door to independence, opportunity, and stability.

We’re launching this fundraiser to help Samira and Naseer purchase a reliable used car and cover related expenses like insurance, registration, and basic maintenance.

Our Goal: $8,000

• $5,000 for a reliable vehicle

• $3,000 for additional support (insurance, car seats, supplies, etc.)

Together, we can give this resilient family the transportation they need to begin their new life with hope and dignity. Thank you for being part of their journey.