Newly arrived Afghanistan family

I have never sent out a mass email requesting donations for charity, but I’m making an exception this one time for a very important and worthy cause.

Susan and I are helping a newly arrived Afghan family get settled in the US. After the Taliban retook power last year, they fled Afghanistan with nothing and were temporarily resettled in Pakistan and then Qatar before arriving in Maryland. The dad worked for a U.S. contractor, so the U.S. government is providing them with 3 months rent and other temporary benefits. They receive medical benefits through Medicaid.

Sue and I (with the help of many others) collected bags of clothing for the parents and their 3 kids, ages 11 (Abubaker), 8 (Bibihawa) and 5 (Esmayal). On top of all they’ve been through this year, the mom is also pregnant and her due date is in January. They are living in a one bedroom apartment - they converted their dining room into a second bedroom so the kids would have some space of their own.

The dad gets a daily ride right now from Maryland to a minimum wage food prep job in Dulles airport. Right now, their urgent need is for a car. Without a car, it is difficult for the dad to find a decent-paying job. The mom has been paying for expensive Ubers to get to her doctor appointments.

I have started a Go Fund Me campaign to raise enough money so they can buy a used minivan (which they will need for their 4 kids). A reliable used car will likely cost at least $10,000-$12,000. The goal is to collect enough money to pay for the car, the registration, and the first year of insurance (which is very expensive for new immigrants - first quote we received was over $2,500). Please consider making a donation. No amount is too small. Or, if you have a used car that you’d like to donate, let’s talk.

My tech friends said it would be helpful if you could spread the word on social media by sharing the GoFundMe link online.

If you would like to contribute without going through the GoFundMe site, please contact me and we can discuss alternatives.

I've attached a picture of the kids. They are adorable. The two older ones just started school and are beginning to learn English. With your help, this deserving family can make their way in their new country.

Thank you.