USA (MNN) — Most Americans support resettlement for Afghans who were allies in the war. According to a new poll, 72-percent say Afghans who worked with the United States government and passed security checks should receive refugee status.
On Thursday, the U.S. government approved $6.3 billion in short-term funding for Afghan resettlement. The money is reportedly “designated for housing evacuees at facilities, screening, humanitarian assistance, and resettlement.” However, putting a roof over refugee’s heads may be easier said than done.
“One of the challenges all agencies face right now is housing,” says Mark Morris of Refugee Memphis, an organization partnering with Heart4Iran and U.S. resettlement agencies.
“We have a housing market that is overburdened, so we’re having trouble [making arrangements] for new arrivals.”
U.S. military bases currently house 53,000 Afghan refugees, many of whom were evacuated in August. Few evacuees have left military bases to begin resettlement, CNN reports.
The U.S. is expected to receive 95,000 Afghan refugees between now and September 2022. Morris calls on the Body of Christ to respond.
“Whether we like the process [or not], there are people in great need. And when people are in need, we know they’re most responsive to the Gospel,” Morris says.
“Now’s the time to make resources available, both tangible [and] financial, and yourself – be willing to volunteer.”
Try this Google search to discover needs and opportunities near you. “Landlords — consider making available your resources when it comes to housing; that’s an urgent need,” Morris suggests.
The greatest gift you can give might be your time.
“We don’t have enough people; volunteers are short [and] we’re all understaffed,” Morris says, referring to Refugee Memphis and like-minded non-profits.
“We don’t have the personnel to manage the great demands, particularly for translation, and the practical needs of getting vaccinations, getting to the doctors, getting to social security offices, things like that.”
In the header image, a three-day-old baby born to evacuee parents at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center receives phototherapy for a case of jaundice at 521st Air Mobility Operation Wing’s Hangar 5 prior to boarding a flight at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 2, 2021. Master Sgt. Steve Brooks shields her eyes from the sun. Brooks is a Religious Affairs Airman from the Alabama National Guard serving at Ramstein in support of Operation Allies Refuge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Tania Bryan)
