Now is the time to exercise the utmost compassion for refugees, and to reach out to refugees or immigrants within our own communities in need of support.

CHPW Statement

As we watch the events unfolding in Afghanistan, our hearts go out to the Afghan people and all the courageous people experiencing such great losses – both now and during the long history of the Afghan war.

As Americans, we recognize the unique role our country plays in the complex tragedy that we are witnessing. As an organization dedicated to the human rights of all people – including our immigrant and refugee communities – we support all efforts to provide safe and expedient harbor of those Afghan people and their families who are in grave danger as a result of their support and assistance of U.S military forces or other human rights activism.

Now is the time to exercise the utmost compassion for these and all refugees, and to reach out to refugees or immigrants within our own communities in need of support.

How You Can Help

Support CHPW’s Washington Partners

If you would like to help, the following are some of CHPW’s Washington Partners working with Immigrants & Refugees:

• Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center (KIAC). KIAC works for the well-being and empowerment of immigrants through education, advocacy and social justice.
• Lutheran Community Services NW. The organization is taking support for refugees arriving to the Northwest.
• Mother Africa. While their name describes their support for African refugee and immigrant women and their families, Mother Africa’s Thriving Children program also supports pregnant Afghan women and their children.
• Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA). ReWA is helping Afghan refugees and provides three things you can do right now to help.

Additional Washington State organizations to support

Here are some additional Washington State organizations helping Immigrants & Refugees, recommended by the Seattle Times and/or the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network:

• The International Rescue Committee (IRC). The organization has a Facebook donation page for newly arrived families in Washington. They are also holding two information sessions for upcoming volunteer opportunities on Sept. 7 and Sept. 10. They also have an explainer on what is happening in Afghanistan that was published in mid-August.
  IRC also recommends supporting:
  – Afghan Health Initiative is a nonprofit that addresses health disparities in the Afghan community. They also have a food fund and eviction-prevention program, and they accept donations.
  – Afghan American Community of Washington is a religious-based nonprofit that strives to “promote the interests of the Afghan community in all areas of cultural, religious and social needs,” according to their website. They accept donations via PayPal.
• World Relief Seattle. World Relief recommends learning about how to respond and support people coming from Afghanistan. They are accepting donations and gift cards to Target, Safeway, Amazon and Fred Meyer, that can be mailed to: World Relief Seattle 23835 Pacific Highway S. Suite 100, Kent, WA 98032
• The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). LIRS is seeking volunteers in the Seattle and Tacoma area to help with airport pickups, setting up apartments, mentoring, tutoring or bringing a meal to new arrivals. They also accept donations.
• Jewish Family Service (JFS). JFS has complied an Amazon wish list, mostly for home goods for new arrivals. They also accept donations. The organization is also looking for new car seats for families with young children.
• Diocese of Olympia’s Refugee Resettlement Office. Volunteers can sign up to teach English, mentor youths and manage cases. Donations can be made via JustGiving.
• Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS). Sign up to stay engaged and learn about opportunities to take action. Donations can be made to support newly arriving Afghan families.