More Afghanistan Refugees Coming to Lincoln & Omaha this Week

Lincoln and Omaha are expecting to take in more refugees from Afghanistan this week. Updates on the latest numbers and how three organizations in Southeast Nebraska are working together to help refugees get settled surfaced this week.

Since the United States pulled military operations out of Afghanistan and the Taliban took control of the country in late August, 290 refugees have begun the process of relocating to Nebraska, and 191 migrants remain at military bases, but are prepared to depart for the Lincoln-Omaha area. According to the Nebraska’s Refugee Resettlement Program through the Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 100 refugees have arrived in Nebraska so far.

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska are the two resettlement organizations working to welcome and support families fleeing the Taliban-controlled country. Sharon Brodkey with Lutheran Family Services said it's an honor to help those in need.

“It’s an honor. It’s a real privilege to be able to do this work here,” Brodkey said, “and we are backed by a community and a state that values the work that we do and that understands how welcoming the stranger, how important it is, to be that soft landing for somebody who’s been through so much and is seeking safety and peace in their lives.”

Finding housing for refugees is the main barrier for the agencies. Volunteers at Lutheran Family Services and Catholic Social Services work with AirBnB and hotels for temporary housing, while looking for apartments to lease.

Lincoln Literacy works with Lutheran Family Services and Catholic Social Services to help refugees learn English as they settle into their changing lives. Clayton Naff is the executive director of Lincoln Literacy and said it’s not easy for refugees to get adjusted.

“It’s a steep challenge for them. It’s, likewise, a steep challenge for our community. Housing all these new refugees is not easy,” Naff said. “Fortunately for them, there are many open jobs, but you have to be able to understand at least a rudimentary amount of English to do almost any job.”

Naff said Lincoln Literacy helps with other non-formal education as well. Volunteer tutors guide English learning opportunities, as people choose. They partner with Southeast Community College in Lincoln to offer degree programs for migrants and can aid refugees in applying for scholarships.