How you can welcome Afghans in your community

Many of the International Rescue Committee’s 28 offices across the United States are helping newly-arrived Afghans, including those who worked with the U.S. in Afghanistan.

Since August of 2021, the U.S. has welcomed over 70,000 Afghans suddenly forced to flee their country, with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) alone resettling 10,000 new arrivals. These families often arrive with few belongings and need housing, food, home goods and other basics as they get on their feet. Even if your local office is not currently welcoming Afghan families, you can connect to help refugees and other new Americans.

Find out all the ways you can get involved below. You can also look up specific opportunities in your community.

Donate to help people arriving from Afghanistan

Every IRC office has different needs but here are some examples:

Cash. A cash donation is the most flexible way for people to help address urgent needs when in-kind donations are not feasible. Donations can help pay for safe and stable housing, medical expenses and more.

Items on a wishlist. Many offices have lists that include items such as kitchenware, cleaning products, laptops and school supplies.

Gift cards. These allow families to identify and purchase exactly what they need.

New or gently-used items. These needs vary by office so be sure to check before you give. Some examples of recent needs include furniture, household goods and items for kids such as strollers or car seats.

If you don't have a local office near you, you can donate here and your gift will be used where it is needed most.

IRC clients receive emergency food assistance in Charlottesville, VA. Many families from Afghanistan are arriving with few belongings and need housing, food, home goods and other basics as they get on their feet.

Photo: Andrew Blunk/IRC

Volunteer to help Afghan families

Visit Rescue.org/Volunteer to find specific opportunities in your area. Common examples include:

Setting up apartments. Help ensure families walk into a fully furnished and welcoming home.

Running a donation drive. For offices looking for new or gently-used items, you can help collect donations in your community.

Tutoring or mentoring. Some offices are looking for English language or citizenship exam tutors, mentors to help newly arrived refugees find jobs, and/or people to help with tech support and digital literacy.