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Kabul, an outgrown city in the smog, new houses on every inch of the surrounding hills
In response to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan that has left many scrambling to relocate, opportunities to support those affected have been popping up across the St. Louis area. Whether it's through organizations specifically involved with refugee resettlement or local businesses doing what they can, here’s a compiled list of places to donate to and where to help out.
International Institute of Saint Louis (IISTL)
IISTL is directly involved in refugee resettlement in the region, and there are various ways to support the organization. For one, share its current job openings to ensure it has the capacity to complete the resettlement work in progress. Monetary donations are always appreciated and can be made online. Additional donations needed include items from its wish list, including kitchen supplies, cleaning products, personal items, general family use items, linens, and limited furniture. A list of the current needs can be found here, with the most needed items bolded in red. Beyond individual contributions, fundraising events or donation drives can be organized by anyone interested in helping out, though it’s important to adhere to the list of current needs. Volunteers will also be needed, after completing an online interest form through the IISTL website. 314-773-9090.
Oasis International Ministries
One of the goals of this organization is to provide a place for refugee families arriving in the St. Louis area, in partnership with Caring Ministries and Metro Baptist Association. Its needs include volunteer time to help rehab homes being used for arriving refugee families, monetary donations, and donations of furniture to fill the homes. IISTL has regularly received help from and worked with this group. 314-535-3800.
A charity arm of The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, which also works closely with IISTL, this group collects and provides many items for people in need. In response to the Afghan refugees and families soon to arrive in St. Louis, it is asking for monetary donations to its Sadaqa and Zakat funds, as well as toiletries, shampoo, soap, furniture, mattresses, kitchen supplies, and non-perishable food. Donations can be brought to its address Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon, as well as Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 5911 Southwest Ave, 314-833-3300.
Monetary and other donations can be made to this group, which supports immigrants and refugees starting a new life in St. Louis. It announced on Facebook that it will be partnering with House of Goods to help in its warehouse, through delivering and sorting through items. It has directed individuals interested in volunteering on Saturdays or Sundays to message House of Goods on Facebook with interest and availability. info@welcomeneighborstl.com.
Casa de Salud is focused on providing quality medical and mental health services to individuals with barriers to access, especially immigrants and refugees. Monetary donations can be made online, by phone, or through the mail—and volunteers are always welcome. 314-977-1250.
Bilingual International Assistant Services (BIAS)
BIAS provides health care, mental health care, and social services for people in need through advocacy, education, and multilingual services. Volunteers can work as a fundraiser/developer or a citizenship tutor. Donations are greatly needed for all of the services BIAS provides and can be made online to aid immigrants and refugees. 314-645-7800.
MICA provides services for migrant and immigrant communities who come to the region, and as described on its Facebook page, it's currently working with 21 people who are trying to leave Kabul. To support these efforts, it recommended two actions. First, advocate to local congressmen and -women and the Biden administration to streamline the process of getting individuals out of Afghanistan. Second, it asks for donations to its organization on its website, as well as to Women for Women International, CARE, and Miles4Migrants. 314-995-6995.
Immigrant Home English Learning Program (IHELP)
It provides services for adult immigrants and refugees learning English, as well as help with financial literacy, medical needs, and more. Donations are always appreciated and can be made online. 314-771-1104.
Local Business Support
Golden Gems has organized a donation drive for the 1,000 Afghans expected to come to St. Louis. All people need to do is purchase items from this Amazon wish list and drop them off or have them delivered to Golden Gems. From there, they will organize and deliver the items to the IISTL. With the goal of providing warm meals to folks as they arrive and settle in St. Louis, @sara_tea on Twitter shared that she's doing a Sameem Afghan Restaurant gift card drive to donate to IISTL. She encouraged people to either Venmo her to purchase the gift cards or do something similar on their own.
International Resources
Although resettlement efforts are happening here, this crisis is certainly a global one. The IISTL provided a list of organizations working in and around Afghanistan that need support during this time. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) assists people in refugee camps and during the resettlement process in the United States. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) aid in refugee resettlement throughout the country and is currently operating its “Afghan Allies” program for the current crisis. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) works with people currently in need in Afghanistan. Lastly, the U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants (USCRI) has been working with Afghans and others with SIV applications and more.
