The following is a copy of an article from The 7 News DC on How you can help Afghan refugees. | August 16th 2021
“WASHINGTON (7News) — After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan’s capital Sunday, thousands rushed onto the tarmac at Kabul’s international airport looking to escape. Some were so desperate to leave, they held onto an American military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths, the Associated Press reported. At least seven people were killed in the chaos.
It was just two weeks before the U.S. was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a two-decade-long war.
Many fear the Taliban could carry out revenge attacks against those who worked with the Americans or the government, the AP reports.
As the crisis continues to unfold, here’s how you can help:
VOLUNTEER:
Thousands of Afghan allies and their families are already in Fort Lee, Virginia. Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area said they expect to welcome 2,500 individuals in less than six weeks. Resettlement sites include Hyattsville, Maryland and Fairfax and Dale City in Virginia.
LSSNCA is looking for volunteers to help these families find temporary housing, organize home setups, transport arriving families from Fort Lee, in-kind donations of furniture and supplies, storage space and financial donations.
DONATE:
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is taking donations to help displaced Afghans. You can contribute to their Facebook page.
The Mustafa Center in Annadale, Virginia is also collecting donations to help provide food and essentials for displaced families from Afghanistan. Donate here.
During this time of turmoil, many Afghan women fear the Taliban will confine them once again to their homes and take away many of the rights they fought to regain. Women for Women International is accepting donations so that they can help. Their teams in Afghanistan are currently sheltering-in-place. One donor said they will match up to $500,000. Learn more here.
The International Rescue Committee is also collecting donations to help Afghan citizens. They’ve worked in Afghanistan for three decades and launched a $10 million appeal to raise funds to make sure their teams can continue to provide life-saving services, emergency cash assistance and protection to displaced families in Kabul. Donate here.”
See the original article on 7NewsDC.