2 years after the Afghanistan withdrawal: How can I help?

Two years ago, the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan erupted in a chaotic scene at the Kabul Airport.

Dramatic images of people clinging to airplanes, terrified families separated in the crowd, and desperate parents passing their infants over fences to U.S. military members demonstrated the palpable fear Afghans felt as Taliban fighters stormed the capital and took control of the country.

More than 120,000 people were evacuated, their lives changed forever.

More than 90,000 Afghans have arrived in the U.S. since 2021, according to the U.S. Department of State. Afghan refugees are the third-largest displaced population in the world after Syrian and Ukrainian refugees.

At Bethany, we believe everyone deserves to be safe, loved, and connected.

You can help us provide this for refugees starting a new life in the U.S. A co-sponsor group—usually at least five people—volunteers to assist refugees with transportation, tutoring, meals, and other necessary tasks. They help Afghans and other refugees, who are new to navigating American life, build confidence and find belonging.

Every day Americans like you are making a big difference in communities across the country.

At Newberry Place, a housing development in Michigan, neighbors formed a co-sponsor group, compelled to embrace a newly arrived Afghan refugee family in their neighborhood. Bethany provided training and guided the group as they prepared for the family’s arrival. Greeting the family at the airport, showing them how to navigate the bus system, and getting their four children enrolled in school are some of the many ways the Newberry Place co-sponsor group helped a refugee family begin to adjust to a new community, ultimately strengthening it.

The time commitment for co-sponsorship is at least three months. Groups can be formed by friends, neighbors, congregations, a book club—any group of adults who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents living in or near the community where the refugees will live.

Many Afghans still need co-sponsors. Will you consider partnering with Bethany to come alongside them and help them rebuild their lives in the U.S.?