We at HWR have been deeply upset by the situation in Afghanistan. We are pleased that the government has committed to taking 20,000 refugees, and we hope that Hertfordshire will take its fair share of the 20,000.
We are aware that Hertfordshire is hosting Afghan refugees in temporary accommodation (currently hotels) and that many groups are collecting items to help them. This is only temporary accommodation and these families are likely to be moved out of Hertfordshire fairly quickly. We are working with the East of England Strategic Migration Partnership, Red Cross and other organisations to respond to their needs. We have already made one delivery of goods. As there are so many collections going on at the moment, we do not want to duplicate and overwhelm the hotels but we will help to coordinate. We will be posting regular updates on our website and social media about how we are responding and how you can support us. In the meantime, if you would like to help, please consider taking some of the following actions: 1. Write to your local councillor and your council leads to ask and encourage them to accept Afghan refugees in your area under one of the government's resettlement programmes. You can find out who your councillor is and how to contact them here: https://www.gov.uk/find-your-local-councillors 2. Make a donation to Herts Welcomes Refugees: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1016803 Please mark your donation Afghan Appeal 3. Help us to find appropriate accommodation and philanthropic landlords to resettle families in Hertfordshire. One of the key reasons that only three councils (at present only Three Rivers, Welwyn Hatfield and Dacorum) have said they would accept Afghan refugees is due to the lack of accommodation. If Hertfordshire is to resettle families, we need philanthropic landlords to come forward and offer affordable housing. Please ask your networks and faith groups. If you do know of any houses that can be rented to refugees, please contact us and we can put you in touch with the appropriate person in your local council 4. Donate a mobile phone and SIM card. One of the priority emerging needs are good phones that are wiped clean and have SIM cards with at least £20 credit, that can be easily topped up. Many have arrived without phones which means they cannot communicate with their families and others. Please let us know if you can provide and deliver one to us. If you are not yet a member of Herts Welcomes Refugees, you can sign up here: https://www.hwsf.org.uk/get-involved.html We will continue to update you and as always appreciate your support! Comments are closed.
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