Refugee and Relief Programs

As Jews, we have a fundamental responsibility to be engaged in the world and help those in need. 

Afghan Refugees in our Area
Currently our region is being flooded with refugees from Afghanistan, and local resettlement agencies are in need of community support.  
 
Ohr Kodesh is exploring options for engaging in a community-based effort to assist refugee families.  Please email Aron Krasnopoler or Simma Kupchan, if you are interested in participating in any such effort.
 
If you would like to help Afghan refugees in our area right now, the following organizations are taking the lead on resettling refugees in our region.
 
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSS NCA)  
At this link, Take Action, you may donate money directly to assist with critical needs of refugees arriving now, including housing, groceries, and transportation.
 
Sign up to volunteer to assist with driving, purchasing groceries, providing pro bono legal or medical aid, tutoring children, or donating furniture and other needed items, HERE.                                                                                              Housing is in very short supply; if you own an apartment or Airbnb that could accommodate a refugee family, please note that on the volunteer form.
 
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
To donate money to help Afghans in need in our area and elsewhere in the world, click HERE.                                                                                                                  Sign up for a number of volunteer opportunities, including assisting in scheduling interpreter sessions and mentoring families, HERE. 
 
HIAS
While HIAS does not resettle refugees in the Washington, DC region, they are resettling refugee families in other parts of the country and are also engaged in advocacy to expand humanitarian evacuations for Afghans in danger. You can support their efforts HERE. 

Help Victims of the Earthquake in Haiti
 
American Jewish World Service                                                                         The American Jewish World Service is collecting emergency aid to communities devastated by the earthquake in Haiti, as well as providing assistance to address the root causes of poverty and violence in that country. To support their efforts, click HERE.