Samaritan's Purse Afghan Resettlement Program

Afghans desperate to flee Afghanistan
Afghan family fleeing
Afghan man hands infant to soldier

They had to escape.

If they failed, their lives likely would be finished.

The Taliban takes back Afghanistan by force.

They pushed the country into turmoil and imperiled hundreds of thousands of people. Christians, other religious minorities, and all those who worked with or for the United States over the past two decades knew the life-or-death stakes if they remained in the country.

Taliban fighters holding man at gunpoint
men helping a man wounded in a bomb attack

The world watched in horror as chaos enveloped Kabul international airport and then sickening scenes began unfolding. Many were wounded when the Taliban fired shots into the mass of people desperately waiting to leave. Scores were killed in a bomb attack outside Kabul's airport.

Escape seemed
nearly impossible.

Heartbroken by the terror of what we saw, Christians around the world prayed, and we thank God that many thousands of Afghans did escape. In fact, many people were evacuated to the United States and are awaiting resettlement in communities throughout our country.

Afghans sitting in a military aircraft

These families left everything behind when they fled Afghanistan. Now, they are desperate to begin putting together the pieces of what will become a new life and a new home in America. The people you prayed for are no longer thousands of miles away on a different continent. Afghan families have come right here to our doorstep. Shouldn't Christians be the first ones to welcome them with kindness?

Afghan refugee

Will You Take a Step of Faith?

Samaritan's Purse established our Afghan Resettlement Program, which offers churches an opportunity to sponsor a displaced family and show God's love to them. You and your church now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help Afghan evacuees rebuild their lives in this country. Will you be willing to step out in bold faith and trust God to use you to bless these hurting people?

Let's Partner Together

Becoming a sponsor church is a significant commitment, but it's one that could change a family's life forever! And, Samaritan's Purse is all set to partner with you every step of the way—you aren't doing this alone. We've got resources ready to guide and encourage you. We even have staff available seven days a week to answer questions and offer support.

As a sponsor church, you'll take the lead in helping get the family established in a totally new environment. We recommend that you form a team of five to six people from your church who will commit to actively participate in the resettlement process and serve as key contacts. How you structure your group is totally up to you!

Your church will focus on six areas of responsibility:

  • Housing & Transportation
    • Secure safe, affordable housing and fill the home with basic living necessities
    • Help the family learn to navigate public transportation and apply for a driver's license
  • Educación
    • Enroll children in school
    • Connect the family with local ESL classes
  • Public Services
    • Assist in applying for services such as Medicaid
    • Help utilize community resources such as the library and post office
  • Professional Services
    • Connect the new family with medical assistance through the local Department of Social Services
    • Assist in completing a political asylum claim
  • Cultural Adaptation
    • Visit nearby department stores and pharmacies
    • Find a market that offers ingredients needed for traditional Afghan cuisine
    • Build a relationship with the family through activities such as sharing meals together and practicing English
  • Employment & Financial Support
    • Direct the family toward affordable employment counseling/programming within your community

How much time can my church expect to invest?

Sponsor churches commit to providing welcome and critical support to an Afghan newcomer or family for a minimum of 90 days. Our hope is that your church is actively involved for at least six months as the family moves toward greater independence.

Your church should be prepared to give 10–40 hours each week in total. This will be more intensive at the beginning and decrease as the family settles.

How do I sponsor an Afghan family?

If you're interested in welcoming an Afghan family to your community, the first step is to start a conversationstart a conversation with Samaritan’s Purse so that we can share more about this incredible opportunity.

Starting a conversation with us does not commit you to sponsorship! You are simply taking the first step in expressing interest in this special outreach.

If your church does decide to move forward, here's a quick look at the path to sponsorship (and our team will walk with you through every step):

  1. Submit an application
  2. Participate in a sponsor-readiness conversation with Samaritan's Purse
  3. Complete background checks
  4. Complete online modular training
  5. Make pre-arrival preparations
  6. Welcome your Afghan families with the support of Samaritan's Purse!

Loving Our Neighbors

Please prayerfully consider this special opportunity to embrace Afghan evacuees who have come to our country. This is a wonderful way to show the love of Jesus Christ to people in need.

Samaritan's Purse is committed to praying for you and partnering with you!

Let's Talk

Someone from our Afghan Resettlement Program will contact you within 24 hours.

Thank you for your interest in helping refugees resettle in the United States. At this time, the application process is closed.

"You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself.” Leviticus 19:34
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