Temple Solel Social Action Committee is helping newly arrived refugee families to feel welcome in Baltimore.

The International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City is rapidly responding to the humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold in Afghanistan by preparing to help Afghan families soon to arrive to Utah settle into their new home.

The IRC in Salt Lake City’s Economic Wellbeing team celebrates the Shapoor family’s first home! Through matched assistance programs, the IRC actively works to combat an evolving housing market through community partnership, education tailored to refugees and other immigrants, and access to financial support for eligible community members.

There are many ways community groups can help welcome refugees resettling in their area. IRC expects to welcome thousands of Afghans this year, and has already resettled more clients since September than in the entire year before. Afghan Placement and Assistance Community Partners refer to an organization, community sponsor which has accepted in a written agreement with the resettlement agency responsibility to provide program services to certain refugees sponsored by the resettlement agency.

Volunteer groups can provide critical support for newly-arriving families as they rebuild their lives.