FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Resettlement agencies, Afghan-American organizations, businesses, veterans, faith leaders, human rights organizations, governors, mayors, and more also involved in nationwide, bipartisan effort

Arlington, VA— The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants joins a new national organization called Welcome.US to mobilize the American people to welcome our new Afghan neighbors. Welcome.US provides a single point of entry for people across the country who want to get involved by donating supplies, money, or time, offering temporary housing, or sponsoring Afghan families as they start new lives in the United States. 

Every American is invited to join this nationwide effort—learn more and sign up to be a welcomer at Welcome.US.

“On behalf of everyone at USCRI, I want to give a warm welcome to our new Afghan neighbors around the country,” shared Eskinder Negash, President and CEO of USCRI. “We are proud to stand with so many other wonderful organizations and leaders to welcome and assist our new Afghan neighbors during this challenging time. We are committed to doing our part today and every day to ensure they are supported as they rebuild their lives here in America.”

About Welcome.US

Welcome.US is a comprehensive partnership that transcends politics and brings together Afghan-Americans, refugees, community sponsorship groups, nonprofits, businesses, faith-based organizations, philanthropy, veterans, universities, governors, mayors, and many others.

Welcome.US is working in partnership with state, local, and federal officials, partner organizations, and the nine national agencies contracted by the government to oversee refugee resettlement to create a single platform for their needs and fulfill calls to action.

 This first-of-its kind organization will also facilitate additional strategic collaborations on an ongoing basis in response to emerging challenges facing our new neighbors, and amplify the stories of Afghans to educate the American people about their journey.

Welcome.US created the Welcome Fund as part of its work to engage all Americans. The Fund will provide emergency grants to nonprofit organizations working to address the most urgent needs facing Afghan refugees as they arrive and begin new lives in communities across the country. An independent advisory committee will oversee the Welcome Fund.

Welcome.US is co-chaired by Cecilia Muñoz, senior adviser to New America and former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under President Obama, and John Bridgeland, CEO of the COVID Collaborative and former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under President Bush.

Welcome.US is a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, a 501(c)3 organization.

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Media Contact: Patricia Chourio pchourio@uscrimail.org or uscridc@uscrimail.org