Thousands of families and individuals have been evacuated from Afghanistan in the past weeks as the U.S. ends its military mission there. Many Afghan civilians are especially at risk because they assisted the U.S. military or a U.S. based organization in Afghanistan. These evacuees are fleeing with little to no time to prepare, and it will take the work of entire communities to help them find safety and stability once again. There are several ways you can be involved in these efforts here in Tennessee. The State Department has not yet informed Tennessee officials of the exact number of evacuees that will come to our state or when they might begin arriving, but current information suggests that only a few hundred will be assigned to Tennessee.
Financial support
Monetary donations will help Afghans transition from flight to stability. Your donations will provide emergency relief. If you do not live in an area where you can volunteer or provided services in person, this is a great way to help!
In-kind gifts
Evacuees from Afghanistan will be arriving in the U.S. with few, if any, worldly goods. Gifts-in-kind can include household necessities, home furnishings, bedding, toiletries, clothing, non-perishable food, and so much more.
Volunteer
Volunteer to welcome Afghans to their new home, provide transportation services, help set up apartments, host a family or individual, and more. Your time and hospitality can make a huge difference in helping those fleeing persecution in Afghanistan to feel safe and welcome as they work towards stability.
Pro-bono services
Your skills and expertise are needed! Can you offer interpretation, legal, or healthcare services? Coordinate with an agency near you.
Advocate
Refugee Council USA and World Relief have prepared messages for you to take action by contacting your elected officials. These prepared forms include calls to expedite life-saving protections for Afghans, to restore the national refugee resettlement program, to end gender-based violence that women in conflict settings are especially susceptible to, and to advocate for asylum seekers and separated families. Find guidance in how to contact your elected officials today at https://worldrelief.org/advocate/#afghans and https://rcusa.org/afghanistan/individual-advocacy/.
Contact our partners to help our Afghan allies
Connecting with our resettlement partners is the most direct way you can help our Afghan allies in Tennessee. Contact forms to respond to the needs of evacuated Afghans are available at each resettlement organization in Tennessee. Connect with an agency near you today.
Chattanooga and Knoxville
Bridge Refugee Services — use the buttons at the top right to volunteer or donate
Nashville
Nashville International Center for Empowerment
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville