Idaho Afghan Refugee Family Assistance
Donation protected
My name is Alex Castagno, an Army veteran raised in Idaho. Last week, a former service member urgently contacted me regarding an Afghan family relocated to the US following emergency evacuation from Kabul in late August 2021. After months of transit from Afghanistan and living in military refugee camps, the family arrived in Twin Falls, Idaho on Jan 6th with minimal resources. This family of 11 was granted the golden ticket to America because of their support to American troops in Afghanistan, at risk to their own personal safety.
Military families help our own, and with the assistance of friends and family around Twin Falls we have been able to connect them with caring community members to assist in their relocation. But we know we can do more with your help. Our group is asking for monetary contributions to help this family become successful in our great nation.
The funds will be used for everything the family needs to adjust to their new life in Idaho including:
- Food: Family is still waiting on food assistance (EBT card).
- Clothes: the family came to Idaho with only what was on their back when they left Kabul. We have purchased clothes, but with a family of 11, the $500 spent doesn’t go very far.
- Communication: The family was provided a single cell phone, there is no Wifi at the house. With two adults, twin 17 yr olds, and and 18 yr old, one phone doesn’t cut it. Not to mention that Wi-fi connectivity will be important for all the kids in school.
- Medical: The family has still yet to have any medical evaluations. In time assistance will be provided, but this family cannot afford care in the event of an emergency at this time.
- Transportation: Currently there is no transportation or understanding of how the transport system works in the US. Family will need to pay for driving education, a vehicle, or two, and or pay for other means of transportation for school, grocery stores, all the things…
- Home Furnishings: The family was only provided the basic necessities(beds, single kitchen utensils for each person). They still need all the other things that we make a home a home.
Prior to being evacuated, the Taliban raided their home in Afghanistan and took everything this family had. Without assistance by the US government, they likely would not have survived. As grateful as they are for the opportunity to be here, it will take time and resources for this deserving family to adjust to their new lives in the US.
Please help this family, as they did our troops, and ensure they have a good start toward their new lives in America.
Co-organizers (2)
Alex Castagno
Organizer
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Adam Kahn Noristani
Beneficiary
Devin Johns
Co-organizer