Local Residents Working to Help Resettle Afghan Refugees

Submitted by Irwin Nesoff

Press Release: South Shore Action, a local group of volunteers from across the South Shore are organizing an effort to help relocate an Afghan refugee family. They will be sponsoring a meeting on Monday, November 15th at 7PM in the Whitton Room of the Hingham Library.

The purpose of this informative meeting will be to host a discussion, “Supporting Afghan Evacuees on the South Shore”. This is an opportunity for local residents to learn about the plight of Afghans who have recently been evacuated to US military camps. While they await processing for resettlement throughout the US, we can offer support here on the South Shore for those families that will be resettling in the greater Boston area.

Presenters at this event will include representatives of Boston based RIAC (Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center). Miriam Gas, a Somali refugee, founded RIAC in 1993 to assist her fellow Somalian refugees who had resettled in the Boston area to navigate life in the US. Her story is compelling and her work is inspirational. RIAC is one of many non-profit agencies tasked with resettlement of Afghan evacuees.

The need is great and Federal assistance programs for these evacuees is limited to an initial three-month period. Most of these Afghan families will depend on donations and services provided by the non-profit sector to help them settle and acclimate to the United States. The Immigration Committee of South Shore Action has made a commitment to provide a range of assistance to help bridge the gap. This incudes filling welcome baskets, donating furniture and appliances, offering transportation, and helping with grocery shopping. There are so many ways we can come together to welcome these new neighbors to their new home. Additionally, volunteers are actively engaged in finding affordable housing arrangements in our area for these families.

South Shore Action formed in November of 2106 out of concern for the future of our country and the well-being of the people in it. Participants have been turning their concerns into actions with members forming sub-committees around particular interests. The Immigration Committee has been advocating for just laws and supporting organizations that welcome and care for our country’s newest residents.

All are invited to come and hear immigrant stories and learn what it is like to land in a new country with little more than the clothes on your back. Participants will also learn how you can help us build a welcoming community of support for these families who were forced to flee their country because of their support for the United States.