Resources for Afghan Population
The heavy burden of forced migration from Afghanistan has produced a diaspora of Dari- and Pashtu-speaking families. Events including the 1979 Soviet invasion, the emergence and resurgence of the Taliban, civil war, and the 20-year-long U.S. military presence have for more than 60 years battered the nation with armed conflict and violence. The 2021 withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan, with the subsequent Taliban takeover of government, catalyzed hundreds of thousands to depart their homeland in recent years.
Since mid–2021, approximately 90,000 Afghans have been welcomed to the United States under Operation Allies Welcome. Of these, the majority are humanitarian parolees warranted temporary entry due to compelling and urgent circumstances. Afghan refugees, Special Immigrant Visa Holders (SIVs), and asylees are also assisted under this program. Of the 50 states, Texas, California, and Virginia saw the greatest influx of Afghans during this wave of immigration.
Please see below for Resources by Category and Downloadable Resources for Afghan populations.
Explore the latest resources tailored to your county's needs right here.
Organizations that Offer Comprehensive Services
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
IRC helps people affected by humanitarian crises and climate crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives, with a focus on five areas: ensuring safety from harm, improving health, increasing access to education, improving economic well-being, and ensuring people have the power to influence decisions that affect their lives.
Refugee Enrichment and Development Association (REDA)
REDA provides culturally and linguistically congruent services to refugees in Sacramento County. Programs include REDA’s Social Service Center (RSSC), Mental Health Program, Emergency Financial Assistance Fund, Refugee Economic Empowerment Program, and others.
Refugee Welcome Collective (RWC)
RWC provides in-depth training programs, weekly learning sessions, resources, and on-demand technical assistance for sponsors, community sponsorship staff, refugees paired with sponsors, and community and institutional partners to improve outcomes for refugees resettled through the U.S. Refugee Admissions program.
Click on this state-by-state resource map for newcomers and sponsors for information about cash and food assistance, health care, programs for English language learners, job search assistance, and other valuable resources specific to your state.
Resources by Category
Healthcare
Refugee Health Assessment Program (RHAP)
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) Locator
COVID-19 Vaccine: MyTurn Website
Afghan Medical Professionals Association of America HEAL Project
Didar Optometry Clinic (appointment only): 707-410-5553 didarclinicucd@gmail.com
Mental Health
The Sacramento Mental Health Access Team
Sacramento County Mental Health 24-Hour Crisis Line
Partnerships for Trauma Recovery
MAS (Muslim American Society) - Sacramento Social Services Foundation
Sacramento Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic (SMHUCC)
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Post-Resettlement Behavioral Health Support
Protection Against Violence
Housing
Utility Support
Food Assistance
Employment
Children and Youth
Education
Downloadable Resources
Public Health Institute Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health
Refugee and Afghan Humanitarian Parole and SIV Mental Health Initiative (RAMHI) flyer: English, Arabic, Pashtu, Dari
Refugee and Afghan Humanitarian Parole and SIV Mental Health Initiative: Clinical Mental Health Services (RAMHI Telehealth) flyer: English, Pashtu, Dari
Refugee Health Promotion Program: Refugee Mental Health Initiative (RHPP-RMHI) flyer: English, Arabic, Farsi
National Resource Center for Refugees