How you can help Afghan evacuees arriving in Philadelphia

The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) are coordinating with the federal government’s Operation Allies Refuge to provide a point-of-entry location for people evacuated from Afghanistan.

The Kenney administration is working with partners to welcome evacuees and returning American citizens who will be arriving in our city over the coming days.

The Philadelphia International Airport is the second airport in the nation to welcome arrivals as part of this federally-led relief operation and emergency response, Operation Allies Refuge PHL. The City of Philadelphia is collaborating with the federal government and is focused on protecting the rights and dignity of Afghan families arriving in the country. 

The City of Philadelphia is ready to provide medical assistance, housing, and connection to our diverse community of immigrant service providers who can assist with an array of social services. 

In Philadelphia, we know our diversity is our strength. We are a proud welcoming city that celebrates its vibrant immigrant community. Below, we’ve outlined a few ways residents can help with Operation Allies Refuge PHL.

How you can help

Please keep in mind, Philadelphia International Airport has a regulation stating that access to the terminal building is restricted to those with airport business, including ticketed passengers, those with approval from the police or CEO, and employees.

Members of the public should not expect to access the terminal buildings unless they have official airport business. 

Donations

For security reasons, please do not bring donations directly to Philadelphia International Airport. Material goods are not being collected at this moment at Philadelphia locations where people from Afghanistan are arriving and being assisted by the City.

The best way to support organizations that are providing aid to people is through monetary donations to vetted groups who are providing immediate and long-term relief.

In Philadelphia, the City’s Office of Immigrant Affairs is working with Nationalities Services Center and HIAS Pennsylvania. HIAS Pennsylvania is also accepting in-kind donations.

Financial donations allow individuals to purchase what is most appropriate for their needs, provide organizations greater flexibility, and take less staff and space to manage while also reducing traffic around locations.

Interpretation

September 2, 2021 update about interpretation:

Thank you, Philadelphia, for supporting our call for interpreters! More than 700 people have registered for the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps over the last week, and nearly 100 volunteers were identified through other community partners.

Because of our community’s willingness to help those in need, airport interpretation services in Dari, Pashto, Urdu, and Farsi is taking place 24/7. Our burgeoning Afghan community will need your support in the coming weeks and months as they begin to build their lives with us in Philadelphia, so stay tuned.

Volunteer to provide interpretation services with the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps

Learn more about the Office of Immigrant Affairs