In less than 4 weeks, almost three million Ukrainians have fled their country and become refugees. This humanitarian crisis is growing but the Ukrainians are just the newest group to become homeless. There are 6 million Syrian refugees, just to pick one group. Gloucester welcomed a few families almost 10 years ago—they had all been in refugee camps for years but Francis was originally from the Congo; he became a United States citizen this past year, and several of the local clergy recently sent him enough money to fly his wife and kids over from G-d knows where. Francis hasn’t seen his family in over 5 years. Can you imagine?

The newest refugees (two separate families) are from Afghanistan, and several UUSR members and friends are involved in this community-wide welcoming. Please read the following edited letter from the Rev Alice Erickson to get an idea of how much work is involved in helping refugees to settle somewhere, and to learn who in our congregation is helping. Maybe you would like to join them.

From Alice:
“Over the past two months we have accomplished so very much:

• The Housing Team, coordinated by…Barbara Kaplan, saw more than 25 apartments before finally being able to negotiate a lease with two landlords.  Alleluia!
• The Donation Team not only furnished the apartments stylishly and thoroughly, but also clothed our newcomers.
• The IT team coordinators have connected cable, computers, laptops, and phones for both households.  They have also provided endless hours of IT support. (Should we all be so lucky to benefit from their expertise!)
• The Transportation Team, coordinated by Brendan Evans, has provided transportation when needed, and negotiated the high demands of the DMV.
• The Medical Team, has visited more hospitals, clinics, and dentists in the past few weeks than they ever imagined possible.  The mental health professionals among us, have also been wonderful resources for how to deal with newly emerging PTSD issues.  Our friends have been through so much!
• The Education Team, coordinated by Laura Evans, has connected the adults to Wellspring’s ESL/ESOL classes, and has begun the Pathways application process for the children. There is still much to do in this area….
• The Employment Team is just beginning to work its magic.  We are hoping that the two adult men will be able to benefit from the resources of Wellspring’s Career Pathways Program.  In the interim, one of the Afghan men has proven to be very resourceful: he has introduced himself to almost every Gloucester restaurant, worked at least one day on the docks, and started employment at a local high-end restaurant.  Our other head of household has been speaking with CATA about the prospect of becoming a bus driver. Thank you Rev. Rona Tyndall for making this possible.
• The Food/Nutrition Team (Coordinators Laura Groff and Christina Doyle) has helped the Afghans sign-up for The Open Door Food Pantry and have supplemented Open Door’s generosity with Shaw’s gift cards.  Almost everyone now has SNAP benefits for which we are very grateful.
• The Finance Team has tracked all income and expenses, and sent letters of thanks for all donations.  We have raised almost $60,000, but it is clear that more funds will be needed to meet the rental, utilities, and family reunification costs ahead.  Your generosity has been and continues to be greatly appreciated.  Checking accounts have been opened for all the family units.  Over the next few weeks, we will be working with the Afghans to understand their financial obligations and budget accordingly.
• The Social Services Team, will be working with the families to apply for Fuel Assistance, Rental Assistance, and WIC.  The Afghans will need this assistance to supplement their Transitional Assistance to Families (TAF) and SNAP benefits.

Over the next few weeks, AAA will be focusing on preschool enrollment, employment, financial stability, continuing medical demands, and cultural/recreational opportunities, as well as the ongoing needs mentioned above.

We also offer congratulations and blessings to Shamsul (one of the newest refugees) on the birth of his son, Mohammad (his fourth child and first son). We all look forward to the day when Shamsul will be reunited with his wife and four children (all of whom are still in Kabul). Shamsul’s family is without support in Kabul. Their situation is dire. Unfortunately, we cannot use any of the AAA funds to help his family, but one of our volunteers, Jessica Lanier (13granite@verizon.net) is coordinating an effort to raise funds to be wired to his family.  PLEASE contact Jessica if you are able and willing to donate to help Shamsul’s family.

Our sincere gratitude to all of you who have been involved in this resettlement effort.  I am so grateful for your skill, compassion, and fortitude. Special thanks to our Afghan volunteers, Mawash Anwar and the Ghafoore family, for providing culturally sensitive care and support. Their hospitality has meant so much to the Afghans who are new to our country and community.

Please encourage your family and friends to donate to Allies of Our Afghan Allies (AAA).  Donations may be made as follows:

Through our GoFundMe campaign link: https://gofund.me/e247392c. There is a small fee of 2.2% plus .30 per transaction deducted from your donation by the GoFundMe Charity Division, but you can claim your full donation on your taxes.

If you wish to write a check (also avoiding the GoFundMe fee) please make it payable to “WGTCC” (the  AAA fiscal agent) and write “AAA” or “Afghan resettlement” in the memo line. The check may be sent to: West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church (or just WGTCC)
ATTN: Treasurer
488 Essex Ave.
Gloucester, MA 01930
NOTE: All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by IRS.

Again, thank you for your time, talent, and compassion.  It has been a true pleasure to work with so many wonderful people.”

And let me say that Alice Erickson rocks too. She has fought for the right of refugees for decades.

Brava to all the people who are helping some of our newest neighbors feel welcome on Cape Ann.  Diversity moves us closer to divinity…