WEST SPRINGFIELD — The social services organization formerly known as Lutheran Social Services of New England expects 200 Afghan refugees to arrive over the next six months, and is already lining up housing and other aid.
“A lot of these people are coming with nothing but the clothes on their back,” said Shannon Hanson, program manager for services for new Americans at Ascentria Care Alliance. “People have been wonderful in stepping forward.”
That 200 number — to be divided evenly between Springfield and Worcester — doesn’t include another 150 evacuees expected by Jewish Family Services of Springfield. Of those 150, Jewish Family Services plans to settle about 60 people in Pittsfield.
The refugees are fleeing Afghanistan following the U.S. military’s withdrawal last month after 20 years of war. The extremist Taliban group has retaken control of the country and many fear reprisals for cooperating with Americans and allied forces.
The U.S. State Department has told aid organizations nationwide to expect as many as 50,000 refugees, Hanson said. Massachusetts alone is expected to receive 1,000 people coming from Afghanistan. Connecticut is expected to get 300, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal told the Associated Press.
“We are anticipating that any day now we could start seeing people arrive,” Hanson said.
Patricia Canavan, executive vice president at United Personnel/Masis Staffing Solutions in Springfield, is putting out a call for help through the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, where she chairs the board.
Canavan has a long relationship with Ascentria through her business, she said. But she felt an even deeper need to connect the effort with the community and to raise awareness.
“My personal perspective is that we owe a debt as a nation,” Canavan said. “The people who are being relocated here deserve our support.”
Ascentria is also seeking support from local foundations, including the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation in Springfield. Those wishing to help are asked to go to ascentria.org.
The organization will need the help, Hanson said, in part because the Afghan refugees are coming in under the Humanitarian Parole program, not the more lengthy Special Immigrant Visa program, which takes longer but makes the newcomers eligible for benefits.
Refugees arriving under Humanitarian Parole will not be eligible. Hanson said there is a move on the state and federal levels to change that.
For now, Ascentria is looking to raise $8,000 to $10,000 per family to pay for things like rent, food and clothing until folks can support themselves. That’s a total ask of about $400,000.
The organization also needs housing, about 100 units within 100 miles of Springfield and another 100 units in New Hampshire for a settlement program there.
“So if anyone has an apartment, or an in-law apartment,” Hanson said. “Some sort of separate living quarters.”
Religious groups have stepped up, offering space in buildings they own and at retreat centers, Hanson said.
What’s more, Ascentria needs furniture and household goods, and is trying to organize community support teams to welcome refugees when they arrive. Veterans groups have stepped forward to be part of this effort, she said.
All the groundwork has to be in place soon, she said.
“We are not going to have much notice,” Hanson said. “In some cases we may only have a few days.”
Ascentria has learned of the first five individuals who are on their way to Springfield or Worcester. But the details are not set and the local group has not been told when they will arrive.
“Everything’s happening so quickly,” she said.
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