Sponsoring an Afghan refugee family in Issaquah
Donation protected
The United States has evacuated thousands of Afghans in need of safety. Many of these individuals are at military bases across the United States, awaiting placement in welcoming communities. For the first time since 1980, the United States government is allowing private individuals to come together and sponsor a family waiting for placement - that's where we (and YOU) come in.
What are we doing?
- As this family's sponsor circle, we are committing to the following:
- Securing safe housing.
- Providing basic necessities (furniture, clothing, food, etc.).
- Connecting to relevant services, including health care, education, and legal assistance.
- Supporting in English language acquisition.
- Helping to secure employment
- Providing community orientation, friendship, and moral support.
Who is this family and what do they need?
- Our family of four has two young children. A 9 month old boy and a 3 year old girl. The adults are in their mid-20's.
- Currently we are putting together an apartment in Sammamish, WA for this family when they arrive. We are in need of basic household items, furniture, clothes and children's toys.
Why are we raising funds?
- One of our primary goals is to assist this family in securing employment. Until that happens, we want to ensure this family is taken care of. Most families recently evacuated from Afghanistan had to leave all their possessions and luggage behind.
- Since this family has chosen to be resettled by a private sponsor circle, they are NOT receiving monetary aid from the United States government. Once they are settled the family will be able to apply for assistance similar to any other U.S. family in need of short-term financial assistance.
- Some of the costliest needs we are fundraising for include:
- Rent on a two-bedroom apartment and utilities
- Transportation
- Food assistance
What else can I do to help?
- Firstly, thank you for taking the time to learn more about what we are doing. We could not do this without your support!
- You can make a financial donation here on Go Fund Me - all money raised will be directly supporting this family. Any remaining money will be going directly into their U.S. bank account once we help them set it up so we can work with them on budgeting and learning to manage their bills and other expenses
- If you would rather donate a specific need for their home, here is the list of what is currently needed. You can sign up to help on this document
- Our Amazon Wishlist will be updated once we know more about our family (i.e., clothing sizes, toys, personal care items).
- If you would like to donate a gift card, please reach out to one of us and we can make sure it gets to the family. They will be living within close proximity to a QFC and Rite Aid. Target and Walmart gift cards will be helpful when they shop for clothing.
- If you have any leads on employment opportunities, translation services, low-cost vehicles, or anything else that may assist us in supporting this family, please reach out to us directly. We cannot thank you enough for helping us to support this family.
Where can I learn more about this sponsorship program and how to help Afghan refugees?
- https://www.sponsorcircles.org/about
- https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/29/politics/afghan-refugees-wait/index.html
We will be updating regularly as we learn more and welcome this family to Washington.
Thank you
Kristen Daley, Elizabeth Parker Gregg, Darcy Perea, Elisa Tehero, and our families
Fundraising team: Afghan Refugee Support (3)
Elizabeth Gregg
Organizer
Issaquah, WA
Elisa Tehero
Team member
Kristen Dayley
Team member
