New Haven Nonprofit Welcomes, Helps Resettle Afghan Refugees

NEW HAVEN, CT — One New Haven nonprofit is working overtime to help Afghan refugees escape the chaos and danger unfolding in their war-torn country as the Taliban take control following the United States' exit.

“A refuge, especially with a family, they want what all of us want, just safety, freedom and a place where their kids can grow up and have a future and opportunities. These are things we take for granted here. They mean everything to refugees," said Chris George, the executive director for the New Haven-base nonprofit, Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS).

Faced with uncertainty, thousands of Afghan people are desperately seeking refuge far away from the Taliban, an Islamic terrorist group known for violence and attacks on civilians. Meanwhile, Politico reports that ISIS-K, another terrorist group, is also targeting airport gates and military and commercial aircraft evacuating people from the capital city.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, George said his organization remains on 24-hour notice to receive as many Afghan refugees as needed. Last week, the nonprofit welcomed seven people — a family of six and a single man — from Afghanistan into the area.

"They were on one of the last flights out of Kabul," George said in a video posted to the organization's Facebook page. “They landed at JFK. They were met by someone from the United Nations. Then they put them into a shuttle, and they came up I-95. They pulled in here at the gas station nearby. They were met by their two relatives. There was a relative for the family of six and a friend for the single guy.”

U.S. officials pledged Wednesday that the military airlift of Americans and others from Kabul will continue until the final hours before President Joe Biden's Tuesday, Aug. 31 night deadline. The White House says it has already evacuated 82,300 Afghans, Americans and other foreigners on a mix of U.S., international and private flights.

Over the next 12 months, George said IRIS plans to do its part to help resettle some of the refugees fleeing Afghanistan. His organization expects to welcome anywhere from 300-400 of them over the next 12 months.

For the refugees they've already helped, George said it's been difficult for them to leave loved ones behind and watch as their country falls into Taliban hands.

"They get phone calls every day from their relatives and friends saying, ‘Can’t you help me.’ You’re in the United States. Isn’t there something you can do. I’ve got to get out of here. We’re in hiding. The Taliban is looking for us. It is gut wrenching," George said.

As refugees arrive, George said it is the goal of IRIS to help them become self-sufficient and integrate into their new communities. However, the organization can't do it alone. They are asking for the community's help. To donate, click here. Donations will be used to defray costs of essentials upon arrival and emergent costs.

For other ways to help, see the organizations Facebook post below:

The Associated Press contributed to this article.