SUPPORT AFGHAN REFUGEE FAMILY
Moved by the heart wrenching stories from Afghanistan, my family and I have joined forces with a group called WelcomeMA.us, a consortium of Massachusetts nonprofits - including Project M25, Inc., The Shapiro Foundation, and Ascentria Care Alliance - and over 60 families across the state who have organized Neighborhood Support Teams. Together with other resettlement organizations, we are preparing to receive an estimated 850 Afghan refugees in Massachusetts. Most of these newcomers will be arriving with nothing but what they were wearing when they were evacuated from Afghanistan and will need assistance with housing, furniture, clothing, food, transportation, education and more.
Our family, along with a few other local families, have formed a Neighborhood Support Team, to act as local support and advocates for an Afghani family that will be resettled in the area in the coming weeks. Once they have arrived, we will see what services and support they need and then hope our community will step forward to welcome these new neighbors.
THE PRESSING AND URGENT NEED IS TO FIND TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR THE FAMILY, as they cannot be placed in the area without this being confirmed. Ideally, it will be free or almost free space for a family of 4-8 people, to live in for up to 6 months as we work to find a permanent housing solution. If you have a summer house, in-law apartment, or any other space we could use please reach out to us ASAP at: [email redacted]
In the coming weeks, we will also be looking for "NST Supporters" in the form of apartment set-up, welcome team, interpreting, healthcare assistance, education assistance, fundraising and job search assistance. If any of these are of interest to you, and you would like to get involved, please let me know. Also, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
We have also set up this Go Fund Me page, if you wish to make a financial contribution. These funds will be used for rental assistance, provide household items and furnishings, as well as food and groceries upon arrival. Any help you can offer will be well utilized and deeply appreciated.