CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte has received 97 Afghan evacuees who've relocated to Charlotte after the world watched as thousands of Afghans and Americans desperately tried to flee the country after the Taliban took over the country in August. The Charlotte organization is expecting 100 or more evacuees still on the way.
These families came to a brand new country with only what they could carry on their backs. Many have no home, no job, and no car. Some can’t even speak publically on-camera because of the security risk to them and their families who are still in Afghanistan. Now, people in Charlotte are banding together to make their transition easier.
"If you were asked to get up from where you're standing and relocate to another country with nothing, then you can imagine the need," property owner Sam Hatcher said.
Hatcher said one of the families is now staying in one of his rental properties.
“A tenant from one of my properties called me to say she was moving. So all of a sudden I realized: I'm going to have a vacancy. Maybe they can start a new life here," Hatcher said. “This is a family with two small children. The mother was pregnant when she got to Charlotte and has since delivered. Now they have three small children.”
Seeing their need firsthand inspired Hatcher to see who in the community would be willing to help them get settled.
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“Yes, I put a post out through the NextDoor app requesting a flat-screen tv because they desperately want to get in communication with the world and to teach their kids English," Hatcher said.
Hatcher said he also asked for a washer, dryer, and a refrigerator. The response was overwhelming.
“From that one post, I've had 120-150 families reach out to me with items to offer," Hatcher said.
Hatcher said the Afghan family couldn’t believe the generosity.
""Thank you' is not enough," Hatcher said. "That’s what [the evacuee] keeps saying. He always touches his chest. He says, 'What can I do? Thank you is not enough.'”
Hatcher said they're now putting the excess items in storage for other evacuees who may need them.
“I just keep telling them, All these people that are helping you, they just want you to feel welcome and safe,'" Hatcher expressed.
Hatcher is now helping them get settled as they work to learn English and get documentation for jobs.
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“They're working really hard to do that as quickly as possible,” Hatcher said.
Sandy Buck, the director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, said they’re in dire need of more people like Hatcher.
“Housing is so tight right now that we cannot find available units,” Buck said.
Catholic Charities tells WCNC Charlotte most of the evacuees are in hotel rooms as the organization searches for long-term housing.
Hatcher said initially, he did have concerns about the risk.
“They have nothing. They have no credit history. No money. No job. They just need help," Hatcher said.
Buck said landlords don’t need to worry about payment.
“We’re paying rent," Buck said. "We are not asking for donated units. We’re looking for units we can rent."
Hatcher believes those who can help will not regret it.
“They are wonderful people. They are most gracious and extremely thankful - and a bit blown away by the response they’ve seen from everybody trying to help them," Hatcher said.
As part of the resettlement program, Catholic Charities provides food, housing, cultural orientation, and job training. The group also facilitates medical care, counseling, and job placement to help the evacuees adjust and become self-sufficient.
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At the moment, Catholic Charities at the Diocese of Charlotte tells WCNC Charlotte they don’t need food, clothing, or other supplies. The outpouring of donations has completely filled their warehouse. Once they have housing, they will need help preparing and equipping these homes.
If you have housing or apartments for rent, you are asked to email ccdoc@charlottediocese.org or call 1-800-227-7261. Affordable housing is appreciated but in some cases, they can pay market rents.
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Cash assistance is also appreciated to help provide food, transportation, and other supplies – particularly in the interim as people are waiting to get into long-term housing. To make cash donations, you can visit their donation page here.
You can also make checks payable to:
Catholic Charities, Refugee Resettlement Program
1123 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Since 1975, Catholic Charities at the Diocese of Charlotte has resettled more than 14,000 refugees representing 61 nationalities across western North Carolina, according to the organization.
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The Afghan evacuation comes in addition to an increase in refugees from around the world that the Charlotte diocese is already expecting over the next year. In addition to the 200 Afghan refugees coming to Charlotte and 40 coming to Asheville, Catholic Charities expects to resettle 550 refugees from elsewhere; with 400 of them bound for Charlotte and 150 for Asheville.