Refugee families from Afghanistan have begun arriving all over the United States since our country removed our troops at the end of August. Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island and the Diocese of Providence will be welcoming more than 250 Afghani people soon, in addition to 150 refugees from across the globe, to help them with resettlement needs.

The U.S. has not seen this large of an influx of refugees since the mass exodus of Southeast Asians from South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos in the 1970s. Let’s do what we can to reach out and help during this time of crisis in their lives.

The greatest challenge right now is finding safe and affordable housing for these families as soon as possible. If you happen to have a rental property or an in-law apartment situation in your home that is not currently occupied, will you consider offering the space to Dorcas International? Housing is needed for either the short term (3 to 6 months) to help families get stabilized in their new country, or long term.

The agency is able to pay close to the market rate on a temporary basis until the family has found jobs and achieved independence. If you have a possible housing option, or if anyone reading this is able to gather a team of 3 to 5 friends to offer assistance to families who might be placed in Bristol, please call me at 253-6084.

For more information, call Dorcas International directly at 784-8600. Of course, contributions of money, household items, and services are also very welcome:  https://diiri.org.

MaryKae Wright
Bristol