MAPS’ Response to Incoming Afghan Arrivals in WA

Asalaam alaikum (peace be upon you): 

As a follow-up to my earlier message (President’s Message on the Crisis of Afghanistan) on the MAPS response to the crisis in Afghanistan, I wanted to provide an update on our efforts. 

There have been over 600 Afghans resettled in WA state in the last year, with about half of those arrivals in the last month or so through the refugee resettlement program. We also expect at least 1,600 Afghan arrivals in the next few weeks.

How is MAPS helping the incoming Afghan families?    
MAPS-MCRC is partnering with 8 other community-based organizations to provide services as part of a coordinated response working under the name “Afghan Refugee Collective.” 

MAPS-AMEN is helping connect the coordinated effort of the community-based organizations with elected leaders, private foundations, and businesses, and working to secure additional funding, resources, and support from public and private sources to benefit the incoming Afghan families.
Here are some highlights: 

  • Over 1,000 people have signed up via the Google form that is being used as a centralized intake and processing tool. Volunteers led by MAPS-MCRC have been actively reaching out to those who sign up to volunteer for their help! 
  • The joint Emergency Fund campaign has raised over $65K from 550+ donors on the Launchgood page, and an additional $25,000 by check, so far to help the incoming Afghan refugees to WA State. 
  • Over 65 Afghan families have been provided rental assistance. 
  • 20+ homes have been furnished through the MAPS-MCRC furniture warehouse.
  • 30+ families have received clothing and hygiene essentials in collaboration with SCM Medical Missions and Kits for Peace.
  • Continuing distribution of food and store gift cards as needed. 
  • MAPS-MCRC is currently working with Afghan Health Initiative to rent a shared space in South Seattle/Kent area to provide social and educational services such as ESL classes, vocational services, mentoring, counseling, and more. 
  • A useful refugee resource booklet has been translated into Dari and Pashto and is being prepared for printing and distribution. 
  • “We Welcome Our Afghan Neighbors” signs have been prepared by MAPS-AMEN for distribution to businesses throughout King County.
  • MAPS-AMEN worked with King County to issue a proclamation to welcome Afghan refugees and recognize the work of groups like MAPS-MCRC.
  • Meetings with 7 Members of Congress and Governor Jay Inslee organized by MAPS-AMEN for the Afghan-American community.
  • MAPS-AMEN participated in a Governor’s Briefing on Afghan refugees to discuss the coordinated effort by community-based organizations (recording available here).
  • MAPS-AMEN has an action alert to support the bipartisan WELCOMED Act to ensure that Afghans arriving on humanitarian parole visas receive the same benefits as refugees under the resettlement program.
  • Read more about all of these efforts and ways you can help, including advocacy actions and upcoming events, here.     

Immediate Needs

  1. Storage space to store donated household items 
  2. Looking for people with trucks to transport household items 
  3. Housing for refugees is the biggest need. MAPS-MCRC’s legal team is exploring co-lease arrangements to assist families who cannot sign lease agreements. 
  4. Your continued financial support of this cause  

Thank you for your support of our incoming Afghan brothers and sisters. We look forward to continuing to share updates with the community.    

Jazakum Allahu khairan (may you be rewarded),
Hyder Ali,
President