Help Afghan Refugees Resettle in America

When MALA launched this fundraiser one year ago, we had hoped to raise some modest funds to support Afghan families attempting to resettle in the U.S.  It was our hope that we might be able to raise a couple of hundred dollars to help a family buy groceries for a few weeks.  In the months since we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of those who have given to support this campaign.  We have raised thousands of dollars, which has gone towards helping a newly arrived Afghan family attain stability, by renting an apartment, buying a used car, and having funds to cover important expenses like doctor's visits and groceries.  

To all of those who donated to this campaign, we thank you for your generosity and for your committment to making our country a welcoming and accessible place for those fleeing persecution and violence.  As we continue our work to build compassionate and diverse communities in the U.S., we hope you will continue along this journey with us.  

When we started this project months ago, it was our goal to provide whatever support we could to Afghan families resettling in the U.S.  Thanks to our generous and supportive community, we have made emphatic progress towards this goal, assisting one Afghan family resettling in Texas to secure housing, basic necessities, and even a used car to help with transporation.  While we remain motivated by the immense ammount of work that remains to be done, we are proud and grateful in this moment as we reflect on the difference we have been able to make with the help of our generous supporters and community.  

Please consider this an invitation to continue engaging with MALA, and to share your perspectives and ideas widely.  Our platform has always been predicated on free expression, creativity, and compassion and we are eager to continue working towards a future where our society is similarly guided by these values.  

With Gratitude, 

Team MALA

In the few short months since this campaign began, MALA has been overwhelmed by the community support we have received to assist Afghan families with resettlement.  Funds raised thus far have been distributed to a newly arrived Afghan family in Amarillo, Texas who are currently awaiting a case worker to assist in finding permanent housing.  When the family is matched with an apartment, the expenses will be significant: Imagine moving into a new home in a foreign country with no belongings of your own--they are truly staring over.  

While we are forever grateful to those who have given so generously to assist in this resettlement, our work is far from over.  As the family settles into their new living situation expenses will continue to grow: there will be a need for transportation, heating and energy, food, and other necessities.  Two of the young adults in the family will be pursuing degrees at Southern New Hampshire University, and will require laptop computers and textbooks to complete their coursework.  

As we continue on this journey together, we want to express our gratitude to those who have donated and demonstrated that community care and good will transcend geography.  We invite you to continue along this path, as we work together to heal our global and local communities.