Hotel Hardship
[Note: On January 25th at 7pm, the IRC-Cville director, UVa’s Afghan Student Association and Ellie Smeal, President of the Feminist Majority Foundation, will lead a discussion on the plight of Afghan women. Click here to register.]
The Afghan refugee situation in our area is really tough. As we’ve reported, with huge thanks to you, our UUCville work with the family is moving along very well. We will be at their sides for the long haul, as culture shock is real and their acclimation has so many moving parts.
But we’re also mindful that many more Afghan families (most large, with multiple children) are currently still stuck in local hotel rooms while the IRC works intensely to find housing for them amid an affordable housing crisis. This task is very difficult for the IRC. And these families, after what they’ve already been through, are now going through another endurance test.
How could we help? The Refugee Welcome Task Force would like to invite the UUCville community to expand our outreach to the hotel-bound refugees, too. These families’ main needs are for particular supplies brought by trained mentors who can make their limbo easier to endure. A few of our UUCville mentors are ready for this, and an effort to coordinate visits is in the works. The plan underway will facilitate sharing this commitment with other local faith communities who are also sponsoring refugees.
An IRC volunteer has identified the most URGENT needs for the hotel-bound families:
– Disposable diapers (ongoing). Sizes 3/4/5
– Baby wipes (ongoing).
– Baby formula (ongoing). New, unopened, in-date. Sensitive formula preferred.
– Sewing machines *in working condition*. Some donated machines won’t work; unfortunately, it’s cost prohibitive to fix them.
– Fabric on bolts. Enough to make head-to-toe robes.
– Thread.
– Long-sleeved maxi/modest dresses in new/like-new condition. New is preferred.
– Laptop computers *in working condition*. The men are urgently looking for jobs online.
– Luggage. Most refugees are carrying their belongings in garbage bags.
– Stackable bins and organizational items for the rooms.
Food is NOT NEEDED. Food has been secured through Loaves and Fishes.
Can you help? If you are able to donate or to sponsor the purchase of any of the above, please email RefugeeWelcome@uucharlottesville.org. THANK YOU!