Tampa Welcomes Afghan Refugees: How You Can Help

Tampa Welcomes Afghan Refugees Fleeing Chaos in Kabul

With MacDill Air Force Base in our backyard, it makes sense that many of the Afghan refugees who helped the U.S. military might choose Tampa as their new home. Over the past week, the scenes at Kabul’s international airport have been horrific and terrifying, with chaos reigning as people desperately try to flee the country.

“We have already started to resettle folks from Afghanistan,” said Sylvia Acevedo, Senior Director of Refugee & Employment Services for Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services. “To date, we have six individuals, and we have another four coming next week, so in total, ten. Most of these refugees were interpreters or drivers who assisted the U.S. military.”

Acevedo explained that the resettlement process is complex and goes through the State Department. Once verified, they can anticipate who is coming and start planning for their arrival.

Tampa City Council Member Luis Viera (District 7) introduced a resolution supporting the refugees coming to Tampa. “There are many individuals fleeing terror, including those who helped us in our mission, who deserve a home,” Viera said. The resolution aims to make Tampa a welcoming community for Afghan refugees and to collaborate with various stakeholders to provide support.

Acevedo mentioned that the community has been reaching out to offer help and support for the refugees. “We have a pretty amazing community wanting to step in and support and help,” she said.

For those interested in helping, more information can be found on the Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services website.