Recently, there has been an influx of refugee families in Washington County and no one to help them outside of the Refugee Welcome Network (RWN). We need funds, furnishings and food for all of them to stabilize them while we work with them toward self-sufficiency.
Just in the last two weeks, the RWN settled two new families into housing with a third currently waiting for housing and help. At the same time, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) just became available to our Afghan families who are undocumented; this is a chance to become documented and an opportunity to receive work permits much faster than through the asylum process, as well as a path to citizenship! However, TPS costs $1,190 per family x 3 families = $3,570.
The community has been incredibly generous in helping our refugee friends become settled and self-sufficient. Several families are nearly ready to “graduate” from this support network, so we know the system works and has been a blessing. Thanks to all who have been a part of that through your contributions of time, treasure and talents! However, RWN funds are super low and we need your help to cover monthly rent payments and TPS applications, not to mention other urgent needs that arise for food, medical and more. We estimate needing at least $20,00o over the next 5 months just to bring the current families to self-sufficiency and obtain TPS for three families. If you can help with even a small gift, please donate via the HARC website and designate “refugees.”
We also need many furnishings to set up housing for our newest families. Here’s what we currently need below. If you can help with anything, please contact Jane Powell at jane.powell365@gmail.com or 240-469-5084. Keep in mind that the families are in small apartments with limited space and narrow staircases, so large pieces of furniture don’t work well.
Living Room
Sofa (not sectional)
Coffee table
TVs & tables for TV
curtains
area rug (carpet)
wall clock
Kitchen
kitchen table with 4 chairs (small to medium size, not dining table)
silverware
cookware
bake ware
mixing bowls
fruit bowl
kitchen towels
curtains
electric kettle
rug (carpet)
Bedroom
queen mattress & frame
bedding (blankets, sheets, pillows)
dresser (tall style, not long)
curtains
area rug (carpet) prefer 6 x 8 or bigger
mirror
Baby
high chair
changing table
toddler sippy cups
toys and books
Misc
trash cans
hangers
coat trees
bathroom rug
table with a chair to use for study/work and make-up
something to put shoes on
bread box
bath towels
Grocery gift cards or Visa gift cards