There are a few ways you can help!
As the anticipated thousands of Afghan refugees land in Colorado to begin their resettlement process, the state is prepared to aid them. The people arriving are Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa Holders, and many directly aided the American military for nearly 2 decades, and were evacuated in an emergency evacuation earlier this week.
On Wednesday, Gov. Jared Polis reassured Biden in a letter he wrote on Wednesday, that Colorado was prepared for the arrival. Colorado “stands ready to provide safety and opportunity to Afghan refugees and special immigrant visa holders,” Gov. Polis wrote.
Colorado stands ready to provide safety and opportunity to Afghan refugees.
Today I sent this letter to @POTUS letting him know that our state is willing and able to do whatever we need to do to help Afghans who played a vital role in assisting the U.S. military overseas. pic.twitter.com/RAGC8X0dks
— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) August 18, 2021
There are still tens of thousands left in Afghan, but Colorado’s three authorized resettlement agencies are expecting an influx in the coming days and months.
The International Rescue Committee is one of three authorized resettlement agencies here in Colorado that works with refugees landing in American through a resettlement process. This process is important to translate a refugee’s life experiences and skills into valuable assets for American society that will lead them towards the path to citizenship. To donate or find out more ways to help, check out their website.
Lutheran Family Services is the second authorized resettlement agency, a faith-based nonprofit providing adoption, foster care, elderly care, and more. They’ve accepted multiple cases of Afghan Refugees since last month. You can read more about what they do and how to donate here. They’re also holding a fundraiser to help with evacuation efforts.
The African Community Center is the third organization positioned to help.
Other organizations have stood in solidarity, like local favorite, Misfit SnackBar, who have created a dish inspired by the culturally rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, and in which all proceeds will go towards Afghan Aid.
There are a few other ways that you can help as well. From donating to mosques or masjids, like the Masjid Al-Shuhada, or if you have flyer miles that are unused, you can also donate them.
Photo by Gary Lopater on Unsplash