Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey reports on Afghan refugees arriving at Dulles Airport and local groups trying to help them.
Hundreds of Afghan refugees continue to arrive at Dulles International Airport with the clothes on their backs and loved ones in their arms.
Throughout the day, buses arrive at the Dulles Expo Center —a first stop in this country as Afghan refugees begin a new chapter in their lives.
Many onboard are mothers with babies in their arms fleeing chaos and what they feared would be certain death at the hands of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
While many wait to see where they are headed next, here are some organizations in the D.C. area that are helping.
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Afghanistan Youth Relief Foundation
The Afghan Youth Relief Foundation is collecting donations at 4425 Brookfield Corporate Drive Ste. 600 in Chantilly, Virginia— across from the Dulles Expo Center. Donations are to be dropped off behind the building.
The organization will give updates on what donations are needed on its Facebook page.
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Volunteers are also in need. Sign up for a slot here.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is a group leading the resettlement effort in Virginia. In the last two months, the organization has already resettled 200 families.
"Northern Virginia is an area where we have a very wonderful Afghan community," said Jessica Estrada, director of newcomer services at Catholic Charities.
"So it's very popular for individuals to want to resettle here because they have family and friends who live in this region."
If you own properties for rent and can provide long-term housing for the refugees, Catholic Charities asks that you email: Lourdes.Iglesias@ccda.net.
There is an urgent need for housing in the following cities: Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Sterling and Woodbridge.
The organization also has an ongoing Amazon wish list for Afghan families.
Rise to Peace
Rise to Peace is using its resources to help link refugees with family. The organization is using group chats and social media to connect refugees.
The organization helped set up Northern Virginia Community College for refugees who were waiting to be taken to the Dulles Expo Center.
Dar Alnoor Islamic Community Center
The Dar Alnoor mosque in Northern Virginia is signing up volunteers and accepting donations to help resettle incoming Afghan refugees.
Lapis
Lapis, an Afghan restaurant in northwest D.C., is continuing to take gift cards.
Lutheran Social Services
Lutheran social services is also helping resettle Afghan refugees.
The organization is looking for volunteers to help with transportation, temporary housing and any other urgent needs for arriving refugees. They are also updating a list of needed donations here.
Homes Not Borders
Homes Not Borders is providing Afghan refugees with household needs and employment assistance in the D.C. area.
The organization is currently only accepting furniture. Find more information on how to donate here. Home Not Borders is also looking for volunteers who can serve as career mentors, furniture movers or woodworking teachers.
