The heartbreaking and outrageous news continues to unfold about the desperation of the people of Afghanistan, especially those who provided services to the governments and military forces of the US and other western countries. We are grateful that several of our Afghan American friends are home safely, but we share prayers of concern, worry and hope for our neighbors’ loved ones who are still in Afghanistan. UUSS members have asked me to post a few resources we can support in the goal of saving lives and helping special immigrant visa holders and other refugees to start a new life here.

Here is what I have reviewed.  Skip down 4 paragraphs to read the latest from friends at IRC.

Capital Public Radio posted an article Aug. 25 about the crisis of need for both housing and mental health services for refugees from Afghanistan after the trauma of escaping the chaos and violence.  Two local organizations mentioned are the Refugee Enrichment and Development Association (a redevelopment agency near UUSS) and the Muslim American Society Social Services Foundation, which specializes in mental health services.  Glick the underlined links to see.

Miles4Migrants uses donated frequent flyer miles, credit card points, and cash to help people impacted by war, persecution, or disaster reunite with loved ones and start new beginnings in safe homes. See their website: miles4migrants.org

International Refugee Assistance Project works to defend the legal and human rights of refugees and displaced people around the world and has multiple programs right now specifically for Afghan refugees. Its mission includes developing the next generation of human rights leaders. See their website: www.refugeerights.org/who-we-are

International Rescue Committee and the other local refugee resettlement organizations in our area (like Opening Doors) will be helping Afghan refugees in our area, where we already know many resettled Afghani neighbors. We have supported and worked most closely with International Rescue Committee of Northern California’s office here in Sacramento.  As of Sept. 9, we have heard they are swamped in preparing for the arrival of 2,000 refugees in the next 12 months.  They are still working on logistics and will have a clearer idea of how we can support them in a few weeks.

The best way to support their work right now is to go to the IRC Wishlist on Amazon and buy Visa cards or Amazon gift cards. They aren’t ready to receive other items currently. For donating Amazon gift cards the email address to enter is VolunteerSacramento@rescue.org.

You may also make a monetary donation to the Soft Landing Fund of IRC of Northern California at this link: www.rescue.org/announcement/irc-northern-californias-emergency-response-fund-afghans-resettled-bay-area