Following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, diocesan Catholic Charites has issued a plea for resources to support Afghan refugees resettling in Virginia as the Taliban’s rapid resurgence prompted Afghan translators and others who assisted U.S. military forces to flee the
country along with their families.
Its office of Migration and Refugee Services is one of only three resettlement agencies in Northern Virginia designated by the State Department to receive and place newly arrived Afghan refugees, according to a flyer published on its website.
Long-term housing is most urgently needed as Catholic Charities works to identify anyone with properties for rent. Without any work or credit history in the United States, the refugees have difficulty securing leasing. Catholic Charities has prioritized finding properties for rent in Fredericksburg,
Sterling and Woodbridge, as the agency hopes to place the Afghans near family and friends in the area.
In addition, Catholic Charities has appealed for donations of new household items and very gently used furniture, such as dining room sets and small sofas. They published a wish list on Amazon of the most-needed goods, from personal hygiene products to cookware to laptops.
The agency also is accepting volunteer applications from anyone looking for other ways to support the refugee resettlement effort.
Find out more
To access a suggested donation list, offer other assistance or learn about volunteer opportunities,
view the Migration and Refugee Services’ online flyer.
