Resources to help Afghan allies and refugees
With a surge of interest in how we can help Afghan allies and refugees, we offer two resources: Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS).
Afghan Allies need food, housing assistance, clothing, and other basic needs. You can give to the LIRS Afghan Allies Fund and help allies as they await official services available to them.
LSS-SW has an Afghanistan Interest Form for those interested in helping. You’ll receive updates as the situation changes. They provide FAQs on their site, which we reprint in this post.
Frequently Asked Questions
HAS ANYONE ARRIVED IN ARIZONA YET DUE TO THE CURRENT CRISIS IN AFGHANISTAN?
Not yet. We are in communication with our national partners, and do not know if or when we will be receiving refugees from Afghanistan.
WHAT CAN I DO NOW TO HELP PREPARE FOR REFUGEES ARRIVING IN ARIZONA?
Financial gifts allow us to act swiftly when we have arrivals scheduled. Click here to make a donation to support the refugee resettlement program.
Our biggest needs for items can be found on our Amazon Wishlist here. Gift cards to Walmart, Fry’s, and Safeway allow refugees to purchase items that they need upon arrival. Donations can also be shipped to our office at 2502 E. University Dr., Suite #125, Phoenix, AZ 85034.
The response to our call for volunteers has been incredible. At this time we are unable to accept new volunteer applications. If you would like to be notified when that situation changes, please sign up in the form below. We are so grateful for your interest in helping our newest neighbors.
Email is the most efficient way for us to update you as needs arise and change. Please sign-up on our Afghanistan Interest Form to receive updates from us.
CAN I HOST A REFUGEE IN MY HOME?
Not at this time. To be notified about any changes to that policy, please let us know in the form below. We are looking for rental properties that are separate from a private home, typically a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment. Find out more about that need here.
CAN I DONATE CLOTHES OR FURNITURE?
We do not accept donations of clothing at this time. Furniture donation pick ups are currently being scheduled in Phoenix from September 20th on. We do not have capacity for furniture donations in Tucson at this time.
CAN I FOSTER A REFUGEE CHILD?
No, LSS-SW does not offer this program currently. However, if you are interested in becoming a licensed foster home for a person with disabilities, please let us know and visit our website here for more information.
