What can we do locally to help Afghan refugees who are starting a new life here in the U.S.? We’ve heard this question many times from supporters in the past months. Currently, about 13,000 Afghans are living at Fort McCoy, about 125 miles north of Dubuque.

If you have the space and energy in your life to spend at least a week volunteering at Fort McCoy, you can apply here   Accommodations, training and meals will be provided, but you must travel there on your own.

Catholic Charities of La Crosse is helping lead the efforts to welcome Afghans at Fort McCoy. They are taking applications for shorter-term volunteers. They are not accepting donations of used items, but they have registries where you can purchase specific items that are needed. If you exchange Christmas presents, consider asking loved ones to give your Christmas present early by purchasing an item on the registry. It’s quickly getting cold in Wisconsin, and items like warm coats and new scarves are needed now. Find out more information   here

You can also help by preparing to welcome Afghans in Iowa. The Catherine McAuley Center based in Cedar Rapids has committed to helping resettle 250 Afghans in the coming year, as well as 300 refugees. here you can find a link to a Google form where you can indicate interest in helping Afghans come home to Eastern Iowa, including as a landlord, employer or English tutor.

Further west in the state, Lutheran Services of Iowa will have the capacity to welcome about 500 Afghans, mostly in Des Moines and Sioux City. Read about their efforts here: