As the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues, New Jersey is taking a central role in resettling refugees coming to the United States. In Burlington County, U.S. military personnel at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, have been tasked to provide housing, medical, logistics, and transportation support for vulnerable Afghans as they begin to arrive in the United States over the upcoming days.
Our partners at New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NJVOAD) have been in close communication with US Northern Command (the lead Army Command for this effort), FEMA, National VOAD, and state government officials on how how we all may collectively help these refugees as they arrive in New Jersey.
In preparation, NJVOAD is asking churches in the diocese that are willing and able to help to submit a Capabilities Survey as soon as possible. This will help immensely so we can respond immediately when called upon to help.
Please do not collect material donations at this time. Without specific identified needs, these donations can actually become a burden to organizations that are not prepared to handle them. For now, cash donations are best as your congregation gets ready to help.
