By the time the war in Afghanistan concluded on August 30, more than 50,000 Afghan allies were flown to military bases across the United States. Holy Family has been notified of two opportunities to assist: the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS) and Catholic Charities in Chicago, the former being very time-sensitive.
USCCB/MRS Opportunity:
Afghan allies are being evacuated to the United States where they will have the opportunity to start a new life, contribute to their local communities, and raise families in a safe environment. USCCB/MRS is closely involved with the reception and welcome of Afghans who are being evacuated from Afghanistan. There are several military bases around the country that will process families before they are sent to resettlement sites that will help to establish them in local communities. The initial reception is a significant operation that requires robust staffing that exceeds the internal capacity of USCCB/MRS.
Please look into your heart and consider whether you are in a position to deploy to a military base to support this program. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, including air/ground transportation and for the cost of lodging and meals at the per-diem rate for that location.
NOTE: You must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to participate.
At this time, USCCB/MRS is unable to provide a timeline for the total possible duration of this deployment, though availability for at least two weeks is preferred. If you have a desire to participate or want to learn more, click on this link: https://bit.ly/USCCBMRS
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote a poignant statement on the Afghan crisis. It underscores the plight of thousands of Afghan families who are right now making life or death decisions in desperation. To read the statement click https://bit.ly/usccbmrs.
Catholic Charities Opportunity:
Current estimates suggest that up to 50,000 refugees are headed to our shores over coming weeks. Based on decades of experience in refugee resettlement, we estimate that it will cost $50,000 to resettle a family of four for six months. This includes:
· Securing housing
· Providing food, clothing, and household items
· Developing relationships with employers to assist in job placement
· Scheduling required health screenings and addressing emergency health problems
· Ensuring children are enrolled in school and helping parents understand the U.S. education system
· Engaging in English classes and cultural orientation
Our goal (Catholic Charities) is to raise $500,000 over the next two weeks, which will allow us to resettle 10 refugee families (roughly 40-50 people) and prepare them for a safe, successful life in the United States. And if we can raise more, we will commit to helping more families.
To donate, please click https://bit.ly/ccafgdonation.
One final request – if you register to welcome Afghan families at a military base and/or make a donation to Catholic Charities, please let Sue Geegan know of your generous act so we can personally thank you for your efforts. Contact her at sgeegan@holyfamilyparish.org or 847-907-3443.
Our faith is guided by Catholic social teaching and our concern for the Life and Dignity of the Human Person; Call to Family, Community and Participation; and living in Solidarity with all our brothers and sisters around the world compels us to reach out to Afghan allies in need of our love and support.
Thank you