CCS: Needs for Afghan refugees include permanent housing

Courtesy photo

+ Enlarge

 SALT LAKE CITY – More than 100 Afghan refugees have arrived in Utah over the last few weeks, part of the resettlement process that began when the United States withdrew its armed forces from Afghanistan in August.

Utah is one of 19 states that is designated by the federal government to receive refugees from Afghanistan. All of those arriving have received security screenings, medical evaluations and vaccinations. In September, the U.S. Department of State reported that Utah is expected to receive 765 Afghan refugees; this number could change.

The International Rescue Committee and Catholic Community Services are the two agencies in Utah that manage all the refugees coming to the state. Close to 150 more from Afghanistan are expected to resettle here by year’s end; CCS is working to provide homes and a new life for these individuals and families, but the task is proving difficult.

The biggest challenge is finding affordable housing for the refugee families who are arriving, said Aden Batar, CCS’ director of Migration and Refugee Services.

In Utah, average rent prices have increased 23 percent in Salt Lake County and 66 percent in Utah County. Although CCS is getting as many refugees into apartments as it can, some are being housed in hotels, which is less than ideal, Batar said. With winter coming and more refugees arriving, Batar is asking all Salt Lake area landlords who might have suitable accommodations to reach out to CCS. The organization can guarantee the tenants who are accepted, he said.

“We want the Afghans who are arriving to feel welcome into our community,” Batar said. “It is so important for these families to get permanent housing. Winter is already around the corner, and we just want all those families that are here to have their own homes.”

Because providing temporary shelter for the refugees is costly, CCS is in need of monetary donations. Although the organization receives federal funding for its refugee programs, this covers only a portion of the expenses, especially while the refugees are being temporarily housed in hotels.

In addition to that shelter, CCS provides a daily, culturally appropriate hot meal for the refugees. “All those things are eating up the resources that we have,” said Batar, who worries that as more families arrive, the gap will increase. Many Afghan refugees are still waiting at military bases across the country for resettlement.

“We want to get them out of those military bases before the winter storms come because many of the areas where they are right now are not set up for winter,” Batar said.

CCS is working with the refugees who have arrived in Salt Lake City to get all their necessary documentation, including Social Security numbers and work authorization, in place, along with health screenings. They are also providing the families with warm clothing in preparation for the winter. Batar expects the adults will be able to begin seeking employment within 30 days. Once the families have permanent housing, the children can be enrolled in school.

“Our community responses have been so great,” Batar said. “We have so many people calling to volunteer, to donate items.”

To donate, visit the CCS website, https://www.ccsutah.org/donate; on the website is also an Amazon wish list for the refugees