Refugee family claims health risk in IRC-provided home
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - A family from Afghanistan is trying to start a new life in the Charlottesville area, but says they’re now dealing with a health issue.
Atiqullah Andish and his family came here to escape the war.
“Our life was in danger in Afghanistan. My family’s life and my life was in danger, so we came through the Special Immigration Visa process,” Andish said.
The family is receiving help from the International Rescue Committee, including a place to live. However, there are some unwelcomed guests in the home.
“The bugs, you know, the cockroaches were all over the place,” Andish said. “We’re human beings, no one wants to be in this kind of house.”
The family says the bugs are crawling all over, leaving bites, and making it difficult to sleep.
Andish says he asked to see the house before moving in: “They rejected. They said, ‘Due to the shortage of the housing we’re not able to allow you to see the house first,’” he said.
The father thinks the IRC has a responsibility to make sure the home is safe.
NBC29 has reached out the the IRC for comment. The organization provided the following statement Tuesday, August 16:
“Housing is an essential step on the pathway of resettlement, and the IRC works with refugee families to find affordable, quality housing that meets federal resettlement standards. After a refugee family is initially placed in housing, a staff member meets with the family the following day to answer questions and address concerns. We know that no family wants to encounter challenges with their housing, and when concerns are identified, the IRC works closely with clients and housing providers to resolve the issues. The IRC continues to meet with family during their initial months in the U.S. to address any long-term concerns. Our highest priority is always the well-being of our clients, and we strive to help them find the best housing possible.”
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