Over the next week, Catholic Charities will be resettling 5 Afghan families. These are refugees who were forced to evacuate Afghanistan after the collapse of the former government. All of these families were targeted by the Taliban for the support that they provided to the United States military over the last 20 years. Some of these families have very young children (one of the arriving mothers is currently pregnant).

Many of these families will be staying with their relatives in the Fremont/ San Jose area but they cannot stay with them as a long-term solution. They will need a wide variety of support including help with completing job and housing applications, transportation assistance to legal and medical appointments, and help with finding childcare and navigating the school enrollment process. We are currently seeking volunteers who are willing to walk with these families – build relationships with them and guide them through their first few months to a year in the United States.

If you would like to volunteer in this area, please sign in to Volunteer Impact https://app.betterimpact.com/Login/Login. and go to the Opportunities List and check Accompaniment for Afghan Refugee Families.  Once you sign in we will contact you.

One of the other things that we are in need of in case you cannot physically volunteer but can offer monetary support is financial aid for the families as they set up their new homes. Many of these refugees are arriving with only one backpack per person. You can make a contribution to Catholic Charities and designate Resettlement of Afghan Families.  You can also make your donation online at https://www.catholiccharitiesscc.org/donate?locale=en.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

Lynda C. DeManti   Volunteer Coordinator for Parish Engagement Project

408 839-3163

Email: ldemanti@catholiccharitiesscc.org

We are grateful for you sharing your time, talent, and treasure with all those we serve..