Dear School Leaders,

I would like to introduce to you, Chris Koehler, Director of Immigrant and Refugee Ministry, at the new Office for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, The Chancery. Chris has gathered multiple resources that schools and parishes may want to use as they respond to the great needs in Afganistan.

How to Help Refugees from Afghanistan

“I would like to ask you all to see a ray of hope as well as in the eyes and hearts of refugees and of those who have been forcibly displaced. A hope that is expressed in expectations for the future, in the desire for friendship, in the wish to participate in the host society also through learning the language, access to employment, and the education of children.”

– Pope Francis, Address to Participants in the Plenary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, May 24, 2013

News and Statements

U.S. Bishop Chairmen Respond to Evolving Crisis in Afghanistan – Justice for Immigrants

Catholic Review/CNS: U.S. bishops urge rapid resettlement of Afghan refugees
As the humanitarian crisis develops in Afghanistan, the U.S. bishops pledged to continue working for the resettlement of the thousands of arriving Afghans. The government must work urgently to protect Afghans in need, said Washington Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, CLINIC board member

Pray

Rosary for Vulnerable Migrant Populations – Justice for Immigrants

USCCB Justice for Immigrants has put together a Rosary for Vulnerable Migrant Populations, which includes prayers and intentions for refugees, asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking, child migrants and migrant families.

Take Action!

Each of these agencies helps refugees in a variety of ways. Here are some specific ways you can get involved now to help Afghani refugees.

• The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is organizing friendly faces to welcome Afghan refugees to King County. Can you pick up a family from the airport, bring them a meal, or help set up their apartment? Plus, other ways to help out. https://lirsconnect.org/get_involved/action_center/siv
• The International Rescue Center has volunteer information sessions coming up in early September. Find out more at: https://www.rescue.org/…/virtual-volunteer-information…
• Volunteer as a host home, an advocate, or with welcome kits through World Relief: https://worldrelief.org/…/get-involved/afghan-allies/…
• The Afghan Health Initiative is helping Afghan refugees coming to King County find a place to stay. Can you offer up a bedroom for a week to a family in need or help in other ways? How to Help — Afghan Health Initiative
• Jewish Family Services –  at this time, their on-call volunteer group helping resettle individuals and families from Afghanistan is at capacity. www.JFSSeattle.org
• The Diocese of Olympia’s Refugee Resettlement Office (dioceserroseattle.org) – for a variety of ways to get involved helping refugees.

Learn More

5 Facts on the Humanitarian Emergency in Afghanistan

Here’s what you need to know about the humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Watch | Facebook

Chris Koehler, Director of Immigrant and Refugee Ministry, Office for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, 206-274-3194.    Immigrant & Refugee Ministry | Archdiocese of Seattle  Please note: I am generally available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays