Sama and Mahdieh Apartment Jump Starter

Hi! My name is Erin. I live in Minnesota where I work as a teacher. I've had two lovely houseguests from Afghanistan, Sama and Mahdieh, stay with me for the past six weeks. (last names withheld for privacy reasons) They were evacuated from Afghanistan in August, lived in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin for three months, and in Massachusetts for one month. Their caseworker and financial support were cut off after four months. They were desperate for a place to stay, so through some connections, I was able to invite them to stay with me in the Minneapolis suburbs. They started working in Minneapolis six days a week. They take the bus to work where I pick them up at night.

I want to help them transition into renting their own apartment so that they can be more independent. $3,000 will cover their first month's rent and security deposit for a two-bedroom apartment. $1,000 would help cover some additional move-in costs. Our community has generously offered many household items and furniture. They have earned a small amount since starting work, but otherwise are starting from scratch financially. We would be very grateful for the financial support to help them start renting their own place.