Welcoming Afghan Refugees in 2021-2022
Reading POWIR welcomed a family of three Afghan adults in October of 2021, people who fled their homeland this past August in fear of the Taliban because they had supported American interests in their country. Our family is currently settled in a subsidized housing situation in Somerville and are adjusting to life in the U.S. They are learning English, learning to use public transportation, and having pressing medical needs met. They are safe for the moment but will need to find different housing by September of 2022.
Reading POWIR is currently asking for MONETARY DONATIONS to cover food, medical care, and future rent. Our family receives only the most minimal of government assistance since they -- like almost all of the 900-1000 Afghan refugees settled in Massachusetts -- were admitted through the Humanitarian Parole program rather than the lengthier Special Immigrant Visa program.
Reading POWIR is also seeking a 2 bedroom, handicapped-accessible apartment or house north of Boston costing 1600-$2,000/ month for the fall of 2022. Please contact us if you can help.
About Reading POWIR
Reading POWIR is a non-denominational group of individuals and representatives from Reading, Massachusetts who came together under the aegis of Catholic Charities (itself a certified non-profit resettlement agency) in 2017 to welcome a group of Ethiopian refugees, who now live independently in various parts of the country.
About Catholic Charities
For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities has continued its mission of building a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people. The agency provides approximately 75 programs and services throughout Eastern Massachusetts. These services respond to the needs of the poor and working poor, provide supportive services to children and families, and assist refugees and immigrants as they become active participants in their communities. Last year, Catholic Charities served nearly 200,000 people in need, regardless of faith. To discover more of their work, visit www.ccab.org.