Local News
Cedar Rapids volunteers set up home for Afghan family
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Volunteers from Mount Mercy University, the Catherine McAuley Center, and other organizations came together on Saturday to make a home for an Afghan refugee family.
A number of essentials, such as tables, sofas, and chairs, were transported into an apartment. According to David Clower, Resettlement Coordinator at the Catherine McAuley Center, the family should be able to relocate the following week.
He went on to say that the number of refugees arriving at the center has increased “dramatically” in recent months. “Just in the last 4 months we’ve received 250 Afghans. Last year, partly as a result of the pandemic, the Catherine McAuley Center resettled well under 100 individuals. I think last I heard was 35,” Clower said.
Clower also said that there had not been a well-established Afghan community in Cedar Rapids up to this time. “In the past we’ve resettled a lot of refugees from sort of Central Africa. So there is an existing language community. There are grocery stores that cater to them. But the Afghans—who we’ve received a lot of in the last few months—there really isn’t a large existing Afghan population in Cedar Rapids. So we’re working to build those connections and support networks.”
He says his goal is to see “this community come together to welcome folks.” He added, “I want to make Cedar Rapids a home for everybody.”
-
Local News2 weeks ago
The Mississippi River Bridge in Lansing reopens on Saturday
-
Iowa2 weeks ago
A high school student from Oskaloosa was honored for her quick thinking that prevented a tragedy
-
Local News2 weeks ago
A fundraising bowling competition helps a Tiffin child in need of a service dog
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Supreme Court hears oral arguments in first case involving homelessness for the first time in decades
-
Local News1 week ago
Senator Joni Ernst reacts to the passage of the foreign aid bill
-
Local News1 week ago
Judge will hear the decision in the cold case in Cedar Rapids
-
Local News1 week ago
Center Point will open its brand-new fire station this Saturday
-
Iowa1 week ago
Regents wonder if the adjustments to DEI will adhere to new laws
Leave a Reply