Five families of Afghan refugees to soon call New Bedford home

New Bedford has a history with helping out refugees in need of a home. In 2017, after Hurricane Maria pummeled Puerto Rico, the City took in approximately 300 refugees. Soon that warm welcome will be extended to up to 5 Afghan families who have fled the war-torn nation and looking for a new start.

The president of the city’s Immigrants Assistance Center, Helena DaSilva Hughes, said “We’re welcoming our refugee allies. Afghanistan helped the United States while we were there so it just makes tremendous sense for us to provide as much help and support that we can.”

While no timeline has been declared, a plan has: once they arrive at the airport they will be fast-tracked to affordable housing, given an educational path to learning English, help with finding jobs and other resources that will help them assimilate into the community.

“At the end of the day, we want to make sure it works for them and that they can become Americans.” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

It is predicted that the families will arrive in a matter of weeks.