Help us get a used car for Afghan refugee family

My name is Scott Armstrong and I am part of three families in Madrona who have joined forces to sponsor a recently arrived Afghani refugee family of six (four children ages 4 through 11). The Arab Zada family fled Kabul in the Summer of 2021 when the Taliban took over as American forces pulled out of Afghanistan. Haleem, the father, had served as a Construction Supervisor for the U.S. government. They spent one year living in a tent in a hot and dirty camp on the sands outside Abu Dhabi along with 10,000 other global refugees. Two months ago, this lovely family arrived in Seattle, mentally exhausted but eager to find jobs, learn English and stabilize their kids. The Arab Zadas are wonderful, hard-working people eager to build a better life in America. Our hearts go out to them.

Now that the family is safely settled in an apartment in Lake City, and all four kids are attending school and getting critical healthcare, the focus has shifted to finding Haleem a job and a car. Public transportation is not feasible – he’ll need to drive to work at various construction sites. Our three families are funding the Arab Zada’s housing, healthcare, food, clothing and household goods as well as helping them access government support and non-profit resources until they can become self-sufficient. We will be contributing to the car as well. But given the high costs of used vehicles post-pandemic, and the overwhelming expressed desire to help from so many of our neighbors, friends and family, we are posting this so you too can contribute if you’re interested. There are two ways to help. First, monetary contributions! We are hoping to raise enough money for the Arab Zadas to purchase a vehicle and fund initial expenses. If we can raise at least another $10K (and hopefully more), we believe we can find a reliable used mini-van or car that won’t have high maintenance costs. Second, finding the car! If you or someone you know has a car like this and are willing to sell it, please let us know.

As they say, it takes a village. And we have a wonderful village. We thank you in advance for helping, no matter the amount, so that Haleem can get to work and the whole Arab Zada family can get back on their feet. We will let you all know what happens.

- This fundraiser is for the ArabZada family who has recently moved to Seattle from Kabul, Afghanistan.

- I am a volunteer helping them integrate into their new life here in Seattle.

- Since they do not have a bank account, I will be receiving all donations and giving to the ArabZadas. The money will be used for a used car, expenses for the car (insurance, registration, gas, repairs). Any leftover money will go toward helping the ArabZadas settle into their new life in Seattle. 100% of proceeds will go to the ArabZada family.