ALIGN
Understanding the Need
Who needs help and why?
Bridge the gap in support for Afghans arriving on humanitarian parole status to an official immigrant status.
We are collecting monetary donations for food, medicine, and toiletries to help Afghan refugees arriving in the US with probationary status. The humanitarian emergency that brought them here has left a gap in securing visas and normal support. Until they are fully processed, they do not have access to food stamps or Medicare. While legislation and funding await approval, those arriving now are dependent on charitable giving to survive.
INFORM
Identifying the Challenges
Learn more about the complexities that exist within the current system.
Why is there an emergency shortfall?
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Most of the Afghans are arriving in the U.S. with humanitarian parole status. That gets them out of harm's way while they continue through the process for a refugee asylum status or special visas (SIV or P2), but they do not have access to the normal menu of support until such status is granted.
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Under ordinary circumstances, the average time to process an SIV or P2 is 13 months. Refugee asylum status usually takes a minimum of 6 months and can take years.
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The federal government provides “90 days of assistance” that consists of $2,275.00/person (half of which goes to the resettlement agency for administrative costs). Lutheran Social Services calculates the actual cost conservatively at $4000 more per person.
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-Every 100 refugees need around $400,000 of help to get to the usual resettlement process and support. Just one of the four agencies in Houston (currently working with 130 Afghans) expects another 500 in the next several months. That works out to $2,400,000 needed by one agency.
JOIN US
Are you ready to take action?
We invite you to play a role in the mission to bring hope and help to those who need it most.
SGM has use for your time , talents, gifts, and service.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8