As the Afghan refugee crisis continues to evolve, we would like to take this opportunity to update the community. Currently, we have split the IAM response into three phases:
1) First contact and processing
2) Temporary refugee settlement support
3) Permanent refugee settlement support
Phase 1 is ongoing and primarily focused on providing translators to the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps. As per the previous email, any plane landing at PHL airport is met by MRC staff and volunteers. They are then treated for any immediate medical issues and processed before being taken to the temporary refugee settlement. If you are still interested and haven’t signed up yet, please refer to the following link: https://serv.pa.gov/
Phase 2 is about to begin and is primarily focused on providing items and support services to the temporary refugee settlements (mainly at the nearby Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst). The goal here is to meet the immediate needs of the refugees until a permanent residence can be found for them. This includes providing short term items such as clothing, footwear, etc., as well as providing spiritual and mental support through volunteers.
Phase 3 is the final phase where once we identify where the families are being permanently settled, we will provide long term support (translators during medical appointments, showing the families where to shop, large basic needs items like mattresses/pots/pans).
Due to the constantly changing needs of the refugees, we are currently only asking for monetary donations. 100% of donations will be used to buy support items and services for them. As we get closer to Phase 3, a list of needed household goods will be developed on a per family basis and provided to the community.
If you have any questions, please email us at admin@imamalimasjid.com
If you are interested in helping, please see the information in the attached flyer.
May Allah bless you all.
