In August of this year the collapse of the Afghan government occurred sooner than intelligence projections had estimated, and evacuation of foreigners and vulnerable Afghans became significantly more urgent. Many of the Afghans supported the US and NATO forces in their attempt to ensure democracy in Afghanistan. The US has temporarily housed many of the Afghans and their families at military bases across America. These folks and their families who were of loyal service to our troops are now being resettled, some in our area through the work of Lutheran Community Services (LCS), Refugee Services coordinating with local churches and other groups,

Less than a month ago, LCS was understaffed and underfunded for this task. On Friday November 19, an Ad Hoc group at Messiah met with a representative of LCS and it is amazing what has already been accomplished. LCS has hired additional staff and obtained funding for their wages. Presently, five families have been settled here in the Vancouver area and more will arrive shortly.

Messiah's Leadership Team has authorized the Ad Hoc group and we are ready to get to work which means we are looking for people with the heart and drive to be of service to an Afghan family. While some of the details will remain fluid for a time, we know that certain skills will be especially helpful to the team we are assembling. These team members will have the unique opportunity to get to know the family and come to understand the special needs that will make them feel safe and comfortable in their new home. Some needs include:

• Drivers
  • To pick up the family from the airport
  • To drive to Beaverton to the the Afghan grocery store for specialty items not available locally
  • For general transportation until the family can drive themselves
• Grocery shopping experts for local needs
• Other shopping help for appropriate clothing and other items
• Liaisons to:
  • Health Care
  • Schools system
  • Landlords
• Help with technologies such as phones and computers
• Handy-helper with tools and expertise for minor repairs

If you see yourself as a partner in these roles, or just want to be a friendly face please let one of the Ad Hoc committee know as soon as possible. Refugees are arriving now and all who are coming to the Vancouver area are expected to be settled here by mid-February.

Steve Friebel - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Radke - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Robbie Schmalenberger - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Julie Bracken - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jim Dawson - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Janet Borst - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Katie Hendrikson - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.