Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Hearts and Homes for Refugees.

Our friends at the International Rescue Committee have requested assistance with setting up an apartment for a refugee family arriving at the end of this month. Can you help?

This family of three consists of a mother with her two adult sons, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Conflict in the DRC among more than 100 different armed groups is causing massive displacement and urgent humanitarian needs as families flee their homes for safety.

We have created an Amazon wishlist for many of the needed items, ranging from pots and pans to dish soap:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1D4FEF8G7FNDG?ref_=wl_share

The shipping address for the wishlist is for our volunteer Paula, who will receive items between now and the end of the month.

In addition, we are looking for the following donations:

Mattresses – must be purchased new – please contact us before buying

1 Full and 2 Twin

Bed frames & box springs (or platform bed frames that do not require a box spring)

1 Full and 2 Twin

1 dresser or armoire

If you have any of these items to donate, please contact our volunteer Melissa at [email protected].

Save Our Allies! Advocating for Afghan SIVs

It has been a priority of Hearts & Homes for Refugees the last few years to advocate for our allies in Afghanistan. They have worked as interpreters, drivers and more, protecting our troops while putting their own lives in danger from our mutual enemies.

We promised them safe harbor.

As the U.S. completes its withdrawal, our allies are in greater danger than ever, and there is still no solid plan for honoring that commitment.

The lives of 18,000 Afghans plus their families are at risk because they worked side-by-side with U.S troops.

Time is running out! Hearts & Homes for Refugees is part of the multi-layered, bipartisan national and local efforts calling on the Administration to honor our commitment to our Afghan allies. Together with other advocacy leaders, we have had meetings with Congressmen Jamaal Bowman and Mondaire Jones to discuss the issue.

There was widespread alarm following President Biden’s briefing last Thursday on Afghanistan, the U.S. withdrawal and the situation for SIV applicants. Unfortunately, the briefing made false claims and did not lay out a timeline or destination for the evacuation of our allies.

Please see this response from our friends at Veterans for American Ideals and other members of the advocacy coalition to learn more about the briefing, the dire situation SIVs face, and what we all can do.

With so short a time left as we leave the country, it is critical to evacuate these men and women with their families to safe U.S. territories while their well-deserved Special Immigrant Visa applications are processed.

Join us in raising your voices. Hearts & Homes for Refugees and Neighbors for Refugees urge you to keep our promise and help save the lives of our allies by advocating for an immediate plan of action for a safe evacuation of all 18,000 allies and their families.

Join us Thursday July 15, 4-6 pm

Ruth Gyure will host a postcard writing party in her backyard (with refreshments!).

Register below to receive an ACTION sheet with instructions for ‘do-it-yourself’ postcard advocacy as well as the address for the ‘postcard party’,

Register to take ACTION for Third Thursday July 15, stand with our Afghan Allies

You can also pick up postcards to write at home or participate in other ways. Register for the ACTION to learn more.

Speaking of SIVs

Many of you have had the chance to meet or read about Reshad Ahmadi, Ambassador for Hearts & Homes for Refugees, and SIV resettled in Westchester County. He has recently completed the CORO Immigrant Leadership Program, and was featured in the Hello Neighbor Network weekly newsletter. You can read his story here.