LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced the resettlement of up to 98 Afghan refugees in Arkansas.
The Governor was told by the White House there is a "heightened security vetting and comprehensive health screenings, intake, and vaccinations that are being implemented by our federal partners," Hutchinson said in a press release on Thursday, Sept. 16.
Refugee relocation is being handled by faith-based organizations and local sponsors in Arkansas for those seeking asylum from the country facing hardship to successfully settle into life in the Natural State.
One of those organizations is Canopy NWA. Not only are they assisting in relocation efforts, but they are also creating welcome kits for them.
"We are helping someone realize that they too deserve to be in a place where they feel safe," Mariah Green, with Canopy NWA, said.
The Catholic Diocese of Little Rock will be taking in 49 refugees. Right now, the refugees are waiting in airports and military bases before they can be relocated.
Once they land in Arkansas, the Diocese will help them find housing and employment.
"We work with them about 3-6 months," Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven, Director of Catholic Immigration Services, said. "In the beginning, it's going to be a lot more intense and it's going to probably require a lot more guidance and then will start to taper off as time goes on and they are more integrated in our community."
If you want to help or donate: This Saturday in Fayetteville and Bentonville, Canopy NWA will host a supply drive where you can drop off welcome kits. You can also send monetary donations to the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement.
“These refugees have supported the United States over the past 20 years. We want to help relocate these allies for their protection and the protection of their families from the sure peril they will face if they remain in Afghanistan,” Hutchinson said.
The relocation efforts come after the United States withdrew from Afghanistan following the Taliban seizing control of the capital. Over 100,000 civilians were reportedly evacuated from Kabul during the efforts.