We have all watched with horror, and a sense of helplessness, as families struggle to escape Afghanistan and the impending retribution that the Taliban will bring to those who supported our troops and personnel over the past 20 years. Regardless of your views on why we were in Afghanistan, we can all agree that those who helped us need to be given our support at this terrible moment.
We are forming a “Neighborhood Support Team”, which is being coordinated by the Ascentria Care Alliance and the Shapiro Foundation, to act as local support and advocates for an Afghani family that will be resettled in the Tri-Town area in the coming weeks. This Neighborhood Support Team will consist of 3-5 local families who are willing to offer their time and friendship to the Afghani family once they arrive in the area. Once they have arrived, we will see what services and support they need and then hope our Tri-Town community will step forward to welcome these new neighbors.
The pressing and urgent need is to find temporary housing for the family, as they cannot be placed in the area without this being confirmed. Ideally, it will be free or almost free space for a family, of 4-8 people, to live in for up to 6 months as we work to find a permanent housing solution. If you have a summer house, in-law apartment, or any other space we could use please reach out to us ASAP at: erikdyson23@gmail.com or debdyson93@gmail.com.
If you are interested in joining the Neighborhood Support Team we would welcome your help and involvement! Please let us know any questions or additional information you may need and we thank you, in advance, for your support on this.
Wonderful – keep up the good work.. And note for edits for this site and other materials going forward and training of your volunteers: The citizens of Afghanistan are Afghans. Similarly, it’s Afghan food, Afghan politics, and Afghan afghans. The only time to use “Afghani” is in reference to the unit of Afghan currency by that name.