As the situation in Afghanistan continues to develop, Catholic Community Services of Utah is working diligently to prepare for the arrival of those who will be resettled in Utah.
The support that CCS has received from the community has been a reminder of our state’s willingness to band together to provide help and create hope for the most vulnerable in our midst.
Below you’ll find answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about the situation in Afghanistan, the impact it will have on Utah, and how you can provide support in this time.
How many people are coming? How soon are they arriving? What is their immigration situation?
CCS will be receiving hundreds of refugees over the course of the next fiscal year: those coming from the current crisis in Afghanistan, as well as many others from various countries around the world. Since the crisis in Afghanistan is ongoing, we cannot guarantee the exact number of people or when they will arrive. Currently, evacuees are being flown into military bases in Virginia, Texas, and Wisconsin to undergo the vetting process. Depending on the program through which people arrive, some will receive Special Immigrant Visas (SIV). Others, referred to as “parolees” will sort out their immigration status after arrival in the U.S. by applying for Asylum.
How can I volunteer my time with the refugee resettlement program?
To start the volunteer onboarding process, you must attend our CCS Orientation. This orientation is an information session about the resettlement process, available opportunities, and other ways you can support our work at CCS. You can register to attend our next orientation here. Orientations occur twice a month, so if the next one is “sold out,” please consider registering for the following one.
Where can I go to hear more about volunteer opportunities as they come up?
Sign up here to receive alerts about one-time volunteer opportunities. These emails will include opportunities for both Migration and Refugee Services and our Basic Needs departments. Please create an account even if opportunities are full to receive notification as opportunities become available.
I’d like to donate money. How do I do that? How will my donation help refugees?
We would deeply appreciate any monetary donations you can provide. The link for donations can be found here. Please indicate in the comment section that you want the funds to go towards “Migration and Refugee Services” or “MRS”.
Those who are admitted into the U.S. with Parolee status only receive funding assistance for their first 90 days. After that, we no longer receive government funding for them, so your monetary donations will be critical to supporting their livelihoods and legal fees to obtain immigration status.
I live outside the greater Salt Lake area. What can I do to help?
Our greatest need is financial support (see instructions above). We would also greatly appreciate in-kind donations from our Amazon Wishlist.
Can I donate other items?
Check out our Amazon Wishlist! This is the best way to donate items in high demand to support our resettlement efforts. If you have personal items you’d like to donate, please email William Maloy at .
Where Can I access the Amazon Wishlist?
Catholic Community Services' Amazon Wishlist can be found here. To make a donation for incoming refugees, please select the "Refugee Resettlement" list. All items on that list are in high demand as they are provided to clients upon arrival.
Where can I learn more?
Sign up for our agency’s newsletter in the footer of our website. You’ll receive monthly updates about events related to our organization. Attending the CCS Volunteer Orientation is a great way to gain a better understanding of refugee resettlement in Utah. Again, the orientation registration link is here. We'd also recommend reading the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' information on U.S. Pathways for Afghan Nationals and Afghanistan Evacuation Resource Page.
Is there anything else I can do?
If monetary or in-kind donations are not possible for you, and you live too far from Salt Lake to volunteer, one great way to direct your efforts is to advocate on behalf of incoming refugees. Attend the CCS Volunteer Orientation and take notes! Then, do some personal research on this and other refugee crises around the world. Spread the word! Talk about the global refugee crisis with your friends, neighbors, and community members and encourage them to take action in support of refugees.