This story was updated at 5:40 p.m. Aug. 26, 2021, to include information provided by Montgomery County.
As Maryland and Montgomery County officials prepare for potential refugees to come from Afghanistan, multiple organizations need donations and supplies to help those who resettle here.
Here is a list of some organizations and what they need:
- Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington, Silver Spring
Adventist is a nonprofit that has served the underprivileged in the Silver Spring area through food and clothing donations and job training. It is collecting toiletries, kitchen items, school supplies, household items and several other materials.
- Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), Silver Spring
HIAS was founded in 1881 to help assist Jewish people fleeing Russia and Eastern Europe facing persecution, according to its website. Its headquarters is in Silver Spring. Housing is an immediate need. Those who are able to provide shelter are asked to fill out this form.
The organization is working with Airbnb to provide other housing opportunities. The public can donate money or watch a briefing with HIAS officials that answers questions about the incoming wave of refugees.
- International Rescue Committee (IRC), with offices in Bethesda and Silver Spring
The IRC serves more than 40 countries and 20 cities in helping resettle refugees and help connect them to services.
Those interested in helping can donate to the IRC’s state fund, can volunteer to help with wraparound services as refugees arrive, or make donations based on a list of needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic and others.
- African Community Center DC Metro, Silver Spring
The African Community Center operates a reception and placement program through the Ethiopian Community Development Council. Residents can donate money here.
- Catholic Charities, Alexandria, Va.
Catholic Charities has been helping those affected by disasters since 1990. Here is its donation page.
- Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services, Arlington, Va.
This organization is providing supportive services to Afghan refugees, including interpretation, legal help and youth programs. It has a guide to help special visa immigrant holders and a donation page here.
- Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC), Arlington, Va.
The ECDC also helps with the resettlement of Afghan special visa immigrant holders in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Residents can sign up to volunteer here or donate here.
- Homes Not Borders, Landover, Md.
This nonprofit helps furnish the homes of refugees that come into the country. Here is where to donate money, donate furniture and household items in Landover or how to volunteer.
- Human Rights First, Washington, D.C.
Human Rights First is a nonprofit that has helped with immigrants gaining asylum status, along with several other components of the immigration process. Here is more information on how to help.
- Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, Hyattsville, Md.
LSS helps with refugee settlement and interpretive services for those fleeing persecution and areas affected by war. Here is more information on how to help.
- Mustafa Center, Annandale, Va.
This organization is collecting food and other essential items for Afghan families displaced by recent events. Residents can sign up to volunteer or donate here.
- The Pars Equality Center, Los Angeles, Ca.
Pars offers legal and social services to immigrants, including refugees. Residents can fund specific needs or volunteer in different roles.
- Religious organizations
Several religious organizations in Montgomery County can help with donations and other needs, including:
- The Islamic-American Zakat Foundation in Bethesda
- The Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring
- The Montgomery County Muslim Foundation in Gaithersburg
- The Minaret of Freedom Institute in Bethesda
- The Ahmadiyya Movement in America in Silver Spring
Source: Bethesda Beat reporting; Montgomery County government