Showing hospitality to Afghan arrivals
Intercultural Ministries launches resettlement cohort
by Hanno van der Bijl, Managing Editor
As Boston welcomes scores of Afghan evacuees, Intercultural Ministries (IM) at the Emmanuel Gospel Center is gathering a group of people from local churches to pray, reflect, learn and support the new arrivals.
These 20 host families are opening their homes because they realize they have something to offer in a very dark moment. Some of them have had rewarding experiences in cross-cultural relationships in the past. All are eager to help settle displaced Afghan arrivals in a new home.
Host homes provide a place of rest for families and individuals still reeling from the chaotic evacuation ordeal in Afghanistan.
A couple of the families that have been placed in host homes are already moving into their own apartments, shortening the anticipated housing transition from several months to a matter of weeks.
“We are seeing that — as of the moment — people are able to move into a more permanent situation more quickly,” said Sarah Blumenshine, director of IM. “Initially, we had said two to three months. That’s not been the case at all.”
“We are offering hospitality to people who have already offered it to us.”
But Blumenshine said that may change if the housing leads dry up. In addition to temporary host homes, landlords who are willing to affordably rent to families longer-term are greatly needed.
Providing housing rental coverage for Afghan families moving into their own apartments is critical to give them a little breathing room as they acclimate as much as possible to their new surroundings. It also provides the time necessary for their paperwork to be processed.
“People who particularly have more trouble are those who don’t even have any paperwork started,” Blumenshine said. “It’s going to be a while until they are eligible to work.”
Despite having their world turned upside down, families have found some joy in a few familiar comforts like kicking around a soccer ball in a park.
The group of host families IM is working with is committed to showing hospitality to the new Afghan guests because God calls us to love our neighbors. It is equally committed to addressing mental models that are at best misguided and at worst harmful.
Refugees are often defined by their apparent need for rescue. When characterized with this broad brush, their new hosts are in danger of missing the resourcefulness, individuality, and tenacity that brought them to this moment.
“We also miss the leadership and support this group of Afghans offered to Americans in their home country,” Blumenshine said. “We are offering hospitality to people who have already offered it to us.”
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TAKE ACTION
In addition to housing, IM is coordinating efforts to donate items, volunteer, and give financial support. Here’s how you and your church can help.
Host a family
If you have a home near bus or subway transportation to Boston, you can provide a soft landing for a family for two to three months.
Intercultural Ministries staff will provide orientation, weekly check-ins, and monthly gatherings for prayer, reflection, learning, and support to a group of about 20 host households from local churches. For more information about the hosting cohort, contact Sarah Blumenshine at sblumenshine@egc.org.
Donate essential items
Drop off goods such as school supplies, backpacks, and clothing at a location in Lynn, Lexington, or Hingham. Sign up for current needs and view drop-off details here.
Volunteer
Help new arrivals by giving rides, showing them how to use Boston public transit, or getting their new apartment move-in ready. Learn more and register your interest here.
Give financially
EGC and The Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center have created several funds to help resettle incoming Afghan arrivals. Donate at riacboston.org by selecting “Afghan Refugees” in the drop-down menu on the donate page.
Give through EGC by clicking on the give button below and entering “Afghan relief” in the text box. 100% of donations will support Afghans arriving in Boston.
You can also support EGC’s efforts to ramp up this initiative with training and support structures by donating below to IM.
