How You Can Do Your Part to Welcome Afghan Refugees Arriving in Texas
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Following the return of the U.S armed forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban has taken over the country and declared its leadership. As a result, tens of thousands of Afghans- the general public and government officials who helped the U.S in its 20-year campaign are being airlifted to safety.
As evacuations continue from Afghanistan, the USA and other countries worldwide are gearing up to receive Afghan refugees by the hundreds. As of 24th August, US forces have evacuated more than 70,700 people out of the country. As per the Refugee Services Texas, roughly 30,000 Afghans will be resettled in the United States in the upcoming weeks, and many of them will be temporarily housed at Fort Bliss in El Paso. Charities across the country are looking to the community to help the refugees in various ways. Here’s how you can help:
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Ma’ruf Dallas
Ma’ruf Dallas is a non-profit Muslim organization that supports social justice by serving individuals, families, and communities in need.
Donations have been coming to Ma’ruf Dallas for refugees expected to arrive on Special Immigrant Visas.
Fuad Dadabhoy, the organization’s executive director, said they are preparing to help 200 to 300 families, though that number could likely increase.
Ma’ruf Dallas is collecting its donation drop-offs (air mattresses, blankets, bedsheets, pillows, cooking pots, silverware, utensils, dish sets, vacuums, brooms etc.) at its office at 9319 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy., Suite 110, Dallas, 75243. The organization said it is also in need of volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, please call Ma’ruf Dallas at 214-484-9867 or email them at info@marufdallas.com. Click here to learn more about Ma’ruf Dallas in-kind donations.
DFW Refugee Outreach Services
For over four years, DFW Refugee Outreach Services (DFWROS) have highlighted mentorship programs that help families acclimatize with their new surroundings. You can find DFWROS’ Amazon and Walmart wish list links here. On 3rd September, volunteers will be accepting in-person donations from noon to 2 p.m. near North Lake Highlands off Audelia Road. Alternatively, you can donate to the DFWROS GoFundMe.
Baitulmaal
Baitulmaal is working with resources in Afghanistan to provide emergency humanitarian aid for displaced people fleeing civil unrest. You can donate here to support this cause.
Dallas Refugee Project
Another Texan organization helping refugees acquaint themselves with their new community, Dallas Refugee Project (DRP), is collecting daily supplies for refugees from Afghanistan. Thanks to the generosity of the Dallas community, DRP has reached their current maximum capacity for storage for physical donations. (but keep an eye on their page for when they reopen!) You can still give monetary donations via Venmo or PayPal. Visit their “Take Action” page to learn more.
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has worked in Afghanistan through thirty years of crisis. The Texan IRC chapter has a 15-year track record of helping Special Immigrant Visa holders get settled in North Texas. You can donate to the organization’s fund through this link. In addition, you can also help in other ways, including buying off this Amazon wish list.
Refugee Services of Texas
Refugee Services of Texas is constantly watching the situation in Afghanistan and lending support. Over the weekend, the Austin office of Refugee Services of Texas (RST) resettled a family of seven and is prepared to welcome four additional families this week.
As of now, the Refugee Services of Texas has assured to settle 324 Afghans in the next few weeks across their offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin.
As per a newsletter published on their website, “For more than four decades, Refugee Services of Texas has resettled refugees, asylees, and Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) fleeing life-threatening situations. We are prepared to step in once again for the sake of the world’s most vulnerable populations, to lock arms with the people of Texas in this humanitarian mission”.
To support RST in resettling Afghans and their families, please visit: https://www.rstx.org/make-an-impact/
Catholic Charities of Dallas
Catholic Charities calls the community to address the root causes of poverty, hunger, and homelessness by serving, educating, and empowering the deserving. If making a monetary donation, add a note on the donation form that your gift be routed to refugees. Donating to Catholic Charities will support Afghan refugees as they resettle into Texan communities. The assistance will go toward shelter, clothing, food, household goods and more. If you would like to help out as a volunteer, please click here.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
This organization is working nationally, connecting with cities that have welcomed Afghan refugees. LIRS coordinates volunteers across the North Texas region to assist with transportation, food supply, tutoring, medical supply, and more. You can sign up as a volunteer with LIRS here. If you’re not able to volunteer physically, learn how you can help from home. You can learn more about ways to advocate, teach, donate, and share information about Afghan refugees.
Women For Afghan Women
Over the past two decades, Women for Afghan Women (WAW) has evolved from a small group of volunteers to become the most prominent women’s organization in Afghanistan. Today, WAW provides life-changing services, education, and vocational training for women across Afghanistan and the United States (US) who have endured rights violations.
WAW urgently appeals to everyone to come forward and support the people of Afghanistan at this critical time. Please click here to learn more.
Do you know any organizations in Texas that are gearing up to receive Afghan refugees? Please leave a comment below and let us know!
