As many as 500 Afghan refugees are expected to come to Tucson

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TUCSON (KVOA) – Up to 500 refugees from Afghanistan could find their way into Tucson, according to a statement released Monday by Tucson City Councilor Steve Kozachik.

On September 2, Governor Doug Ducey announced that Arizona had taken in its first group of evacuated Afghan refugees. He said the refugees who have been screened through background checks will settle in Arizona.

With Arizona proposed to become a top destination for Afghan refugees, local leaders announced Thursday that southern Arizona will soon be hosting the first families displaced by the war in Afghanistan, according to local resettlement groups.

Last Thursday, Kozachik announced that the first group of around 25 refugees is expected to arrive in southern Arizona in late September through mid-October. The city’s District 6 representative said the refugees would stop at Phoenix first before traveling to the Tucson area.

In an update shared on Monday, Kozachik said the state is expected to take in between 2,000 and 3,000 Afghan refugees overall. He said 300 to 500 of these people are expected to find their way to the Old Pueblo.

Since the refugees only receive a one-time payment of $ 1,225 in federal aid from the Afghan mediation and relief program, the councilor said donations are extremely important in helping the displaced until they receive other benefits and adapt to their new life situations get used to.

“In addition to housing needs, we are looking for culturally appropriate clothing, food, hygiene products, sunscreen and activities for the children,” he said. “There will also be a need for people who can help with language / translation assistance.”

Individuals interested in helping or donating goods are recommended to drop off their items at the Ward 6 office at 3202 E. First St. near Speedway Boulevard or email steve.kozachik@tucsonaz.gov.

Anyone who can help with language / translation related to the refugees is recommended to email Tucson.Afghan.Community@gmail.com.

Kozachik’s full message on Afghan refugees can be read below:

Update for Afghan refugees

I have attended several meetings over the past week dealing with Afghan refugees and their arrival in Arizona and eventually Tucson. The main refugee resettlement agencies currently involved are the Lutheran Social Service and the International Refugee Committee. We also used the Tucson Islamic Center to raise funds, work with language translations, and look for an apartment. The most urgent need will be housing.

We had Congressman Kirkpatrick’s office on call and both Senate offices. The governor’s office took part, as did ADES. Both the mayor’s office and Nikki Lee and her staff are involved. TPD’s Assistant Chief Hall and Community Outreach Officer Susco worked directly with the agencies. Housing director Liz Morales is also involved. Once arrivals begin a community elevator will be required to meet needs.

The only federal financial support for arriving Afghans is provided through the Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) program. It will set aside $ 1,225 per person for very basic support. It’s a one-time payment, so until you’re eligible for other benefits, that’s it. The only people eligible for this APA payment are those who come through military bases. The resettlement agencies had “walk-ins” – they are not entitled to any benefits.

We estimate that somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 Afghan refugees will be housed in Arizona. It is unclear how they will be distributed in the state. Tucson will likely receive 300-500 people. In addition to housing needs, we are looking for culturally appropriate clothing, food, hygiene products, sunscreen and activities for the children. There will also be a need for people to help with language / translation assistance.

If you can help with the language, please let us know at Tucson.Afghan.Community@gmail.com. You can use Ward 6’s office as a donation page. We are open every weekday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you need to come after these times, email me at steve.kozachik@tucsonaz.gov and we will make arrangements.

Across the country, they are expecting 65,000 Afghan refugees in the north. I know that Tucson is approaching these refugees, as we have seen in recent years with those who have been accommodated and helped in the Benedictine house and now in the Casa Alitas Welcome Center.

Steve Kozachik, Tucson City Councilor

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