Afghanistan Veteran Support

The events unfolding in Afghanistan may be distressing to anyone, and especially to our service members, Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan. Talk with your friends, colleagues, members and families and see below for useful resources and support. 

Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year:

• Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
• Text 838255 
• Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat
   

If you notice a Veteran in your life struggling, please see the following resources from the Veterans Administration (VA) for support. Be There for Veterans also provides resources on how to help. 

• Vet Centers - Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
• VA Mental Health Services Guide - This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
• MakeTheConnection.net - information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
• Download VA's self-help apps and PTSD Coach Online - Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) - Request a Peer Mentor
• VA Women Veterans Call Center - Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 6:30PM ET)
• VA Caregiver Support Line - Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 5PM ET)
• Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes - Join the Community for Military Caregivers
• American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network - Peer Support and Mentoring
• Student Veterans of America - Find a campus chapter to connect with.

Afghanistan Refugee Support

Looking for ways to support newly arrived Afghan refugees. Here are some organizations and aid efforts for those looking to help.

Resettlement agencies in Seattle

Diocese of Olympia’s Refugee Resettlement Office
Volunteers can sign up to teach English, mentor youths and manage cases. Donations can be made at JustGiving.com/DioceseofOlympiaInc.

The International Rescue Committee
The organization has a Facebook donation page for newly arrived families in Washington. They are also holding two information sessions for upcoming volunteer opportunities on Sept. 7 and Sept. 10.

They also have an explainer on what is happening in Afghanistan that was published in mid-August on their site: Rescue.org.

World Relief Seattle
World Relief recommends learning about how to respond and support people coming from Afghanistan by visiting org/seattle/get-involved/afghan-allies/

They are accepting cash donations and gift cards to Target, Safeway, Amazon and Fred Meyer, that can be mailed to: World Relief Seattle 23835 Pacific Highway S. Suite 100, Kent, WA 98032

The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
LIRS is seeking volunteers in the Seattle and Tacoma areato help with airport pickups, setting up apartments, mentoring, tutoring or bringing a meal to new arrivals. They also accept donations on their site: LIRS.org.

Jewish Family Service
​​​​​​​JFS has complied an Amazon wish list, mostly for home goods for new arrivals. They also accept donations online at JFSSeattle.org. The organization is also looking for new car seats for families with young children.