Catholic Charities | Help Support Refugees

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington has welcomed Afghan refugees with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) to the Diocese—assisting them in finding and furnishing their homes, securing employment, settling their children into schools, and providing for other critical needs— for more than 15 years.  Catholic Charities provides these same services to all refugees and SIV holders as part of its broader ministry of serving the poor, protecting the vulnerable, and welcoming the newcomer.

How can parishes continue to assist Catholic Charities?  We offer these options as ways to assist Afghan SIV holders, as well as all other refugees and immigrants who have been forced to flee their countries and are seeking safety and a better life for their families.

• • Prayer | Please pray for the safety of all refugees, most especially those from Afganistan, and for those who are assisting and accompanying refugees through this time of significant turmoil and sorrow.
  • Provide permanent housing | Catholic Charities needs landlords or property owners who can rent homes to Afghan refugees.  See this flyer.
    • • Catholic Charities assists with limited financial assistance to help families get settled into their new homes. Refugees/SIVs are expected to be employed and self-sufficient after three months.
  • Provide pro-bono professional services | Such as bilingual mental health counseling, dental or other medical services and school health screenings, or legal services (see flyer).  Many SIV family members need services in Dari or Pashto.  Please email MRSDonations@ccda.net for more information.
  • Plan now to give or volunteer soon | Catholic Charities has been flooded with opportunities to assist, and we are so grateful.  Over the coming weeks and months, however, Catholic Charities expects to receive many more Afghan SIV holders, and we expect that our need for assistance will increase over time.  Please schedule a date when your parish can help this fall and winter.
    • • Schedule a parish food drive | Through the St. Lucy Food Project.  Your parish can collect culturally-appropraite food and baby food tailored to the Afghan refugees.  Email Lori.Sikra@ccda.net or call (703) 479-2975, ext.  103
      • Schedule a parish collection drive | Through the Mobile Response Center.  Your parish can collect household or personal hygiene items for refugees and other vulnerable neighbors whome we serve.  Go to ccda.net/MRCdonate.
  • Become a Catholic Charities volunteer | You can help Afghan refugees in a variety of ways.  Check out our volunteer page here and select “Migrant and Refugee Services” in the ministry drop down menu.
  • Learn about why and how the Church welcomes the newcomers through your parish school or prayer group.  See resources from the USCCB about the gospel mandate to Welcome the Stranger here.