PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) are coordinating with the federal government’s Operation Allies Refuge to provide a point-of-entry location for individuals evacuated from Afghanistan.
PHL is the second airport in the country to welcome arrivals as part of this federally-led operation, in addition to Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The City stands ready to provide medical assistance, housing, and connection to the diverse community of immigrant service providers who can assist with an array of social services.
“Afghan families are welcome in Philadelphia, and we are proud to provide a point of entry for evacuees. We are working with state and federal agencies to support those seeking a safe haven in the United States. This is a humanitarian operation in which government agencies and partner organizations are ready to provide services for people who will arrive in the coming days. In Philadelphia, we know our diversity is our strength. As a welcoming city we stand ready to protect the rights and dignity of the Afghan individuals and families arriving in our country,” said Mayor Jim Kenney.
The City cannot confirm information on how many people are expected and when they are arriving. Reporters can contact the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security for more information.
MRC Call for Volunteers: Many of the refugees coming to Philadelphia through this operation do not speak English. To communicate with them, the City is asking for help from volunteers who can interpret in Dari or Pashto.
All volunteers who can provide interpretation services are required to be members of the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The MRC is a group of more than 2,500 volunteers who serve the City during public health emergencies and large-scale events.
To sign up, visit the SERVPA website and select “Medical Reserve Corps Organizations” from the drop down menu, then select “Philadelphia MRC” from the secondary menu. The MRC is actively reviewing applications and will be in touch as soon as possible.
Medical Preparation: Through partnerships with the Health Department, Fire Department, and other providers, the City is prepared to respond to any medical or health needs that may arise among the evacuees.
Donations: The best way to support relief organizations is through monetary donations to vetted groups who are providing immediate and long-term aid. In Philadelphia, the City’s Office of Immigrant Affairs is working with Nationalities Services Center and HIAS Pennsylvania.
If you wish to donate material goods, the United States Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team based at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey has created a list of goods and materials to donate directly to incoming refugees. HIAS Pennsylvania is also accepting in-kind donations.