Many Afghan families were resettled in the East Bay in 2021 and continue to arrive.
When the United States military withdrew its troops beginning in May 2021, the Afghan government and Taliban conflicts worsened. With Kabul now under Taliban control, Afghan translators, journalists and officials who worked with the U.S. are put at high risk of targeted assassination. Afghan women's rights and freedom of expression are growing concerns for advocates. Approximately 75,000 indivdiuals were evacuated; as of Jan 2022, approximately 23,000 remain on military bases. Please see this New York Times article from Jan 7, 2022 interviewing our Afghan board member.
In this emergency situation, resettlement agencies rely heavily on community partners like BRFN. BRFN has hired more Afghan case managers to support the growing list of referred individuals who left the bases voluntarily before being "assured" (accepted) by one of the resettlement agencies (RAs). While on the RA's waiting list, BRFN provides initial case management, such as applying for public benefits and screening for urgent medical needs. Families also need safe homes (temporary and permanent), groceries, transportation, health and wellness support, and more.
BRFN has worked in Alameda County, supporting newcomers for over ten years. We are committed to supporting families with enrollment in public services and working in coordination with many other partners in the region. With additional funding, BRFN hopes to increase our capacity and emergency relief fund for newly arriving Afghans. Please join us.
When the United States military withdrew its troops beginning in May 2021, the Afghan government and Taliban conflicts worsened. With Kabul now under Taliban control, Afghan translators, journalists and officials who worked with the U.S. are put at high risk of targeted assassination. Afghan women's rights and freedom of expression are growing concerns for advocates. Approximately 75,000 indivdiuals were evacuated; as of Jan 2022, approximately 23,000 remain on military bases. Please see this New York Times article from Jan 7, 2022 interviewing our Afghan board member.
In this emergency situation, resettlement agencies rely heavily on community partners like BRFN. BRFN has hired more Afghan case managers to support the growing list of referred individuals who left the bases voluntarily before being "assured" (accepted) by one of the resettlement agencies (RAs). While on the RA's waiting list, BRFN provides initial case management, such as applying for public benefits and screening for urgent medical needs. Families also need safe homes (temporary and permanent), groceries, transportation, health and wellness support, and more.
BRFN has worked in Alameda County, supporting newcomers for over ten years. We are committed to supporting families with enrollment in public services and working in coordination with many other partners in the region. With additional funding, BRFN hopes to increase our capacity and emergency relief fund for newly arriving Afghans. Please join us.
Burma Refugee Families & Newcomers, formerly known as Burma Refugee Family Network (BRFN) is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit organization established to support and empower refugees of all ethnic groups from Burma and other countries resettling in the wider San Francisco Bay Area. BRFN provides and advocates for culturally and linguistically appropriate social support services, such as language training, social welfare, education, physical and mental healthcare, employment, housing, and cultural bridging and preservation. BRFN works in collaboration and partnership with other community organizations in order for the refugees and asylees to achieve self-sufficiency and civic engagement in the community.
