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The Southern New England Conference plans to offer additional information and resource sessions for our congregation. In addition, we are offering better staffing to support congregations, resettlement agencies, and, ultimately, our new neighbors.
Irene Hassan, Minister for Refugee and Migration Ministries at the United Church of Christ National Ministries encourages churches to work together to better support these refugees as they arrive. Some of our congregations are already hosting or supporting an Afghan refugee or family; others are interested in hosting or providing hands-on help. The SNEUCC can help congregations and individuals connect with one another and with local refugee organizations.Sponsor Circles, just announced by the Biden administration, is a newly approved way for churches to become engaged in hosting, sponsoring, or otherwise providing help to Afghan refugees. We can help sort out these options.
If you or your church is hosting an Afghan refugee or family and in need of hands-on help with such needs as:
- Housing
- Job placements
- English tutoring
- Rides to appointments
- Practical help (driving lessons, how to use public transport, navigating health insurance etc.)
- Furnishing an apartment
- Financial help
Resources
Access a toolkit from UCC Wider Missions about supporting Afghan refugees.
Small grants may be available to congregations hosting Afghan refugees to help defray costs. Learn more and apply: SNEUCC Immigration, Refugee and Asylum Task Force small grants.
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