Thousands of individuals and their families from Afghanistan expected to arrive in Michigan in the coming months following the U.S. military’s departure from the region. According to the state, as of early November, 275 Afghan arrivals have already arrived in Michigan.

The Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) has been working closely with the governor’s executive office and the state discussing how the state, resettlement agencies and philanthropy can effectively and equitably support our new neighbors.

OFL has hosted conversations and made connections between CMF members and the state. 

In October, OFL and FLAC hosted a conversation with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s policy director, the state’s Office of Global Michigan and resettlement organizations to unpack the challenges facing our new neighbors, the nonprofit support system designed to serve them and opportunities for Michigan philanthropy to ensure they are connected with the resources needed.

This Thursday, OFL and FLAC are hosting a follow-up conversation to discuss next steps for Michigan philanthropy to effectively support Afghan arrivals. 

The Latest from the State 
The Michigan resettlement agencies, under consultation with the Office of Global Michigan, are currently approved for approximately 1,600 Afghan arrivals. Michigan is working closely with the federal government to coordinate the arrivals of Afghan allies and nationals as they come to Michigan.

According to a press release, arriving Afghans will go to one of the state’s five resettlement agencies: Grand Rapids-based Bethany Christian Services, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Samaritas in metro-Detroit and West Michigan, St. Vincent Catholic Charities in mid-Michigan and United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) in Dearborn.

The resettlement agencies help identify needs such as permanent housing, employment opportunities, provide cultural orientation, assist in signing refugees up for public benefits, enroll children in school and assist in securing a state ID/ driver’s license.

Recently, Jack Markell, White House Coordinator for Operation Allies Welcome, met with state and local leaders to learn more about Michigan’s support in welcoming Afghan arrivals and other immigrants.

"Michigan has shown strong leadership in the resettlement of our Afghan Allies, and I'm grateful to see firsthand the exemplary work being done to equip our new neighbors for success in the long term," Markell said in a press release. "We look forward to continued support and leadership from our Michigan partners and sharing with other states the best practices we've seen here today."

According to the state, Michigan’s efforts include:

•    Directing engagement from the state refugee coordinator's office with the five Michigan resettlement agencies to identify and address their needs to accomplish this important work in partnership.

•    Activating early-on an interagency operations framework to ensure housing, food and other wrap-around supports for arriving families in a short timeframe.

•    Working closely with federal partners to explore unique ways to further increase our capacity to welcome Afghan families.

•    Launching a statewide volunteer and donation website to provide an additional layer of support.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Office of Global Michigan (OGM) remain committed to welcoming refugees and immigrants. 

The governor, OGM and the Michigan Community Service Commission are calling on Michiganders to volunteer to ease the transition and welcome individuals and families to Michigan.

A new online resource has been launched where Michiganders can find volunteer opportunities to support Afghans arriving in the state.

If you’d like to learn more about how philanthropy can support our new neighbors, join OFL and CMF members this Thursday for Afghan Resettlement Needs in MI: Discussing Next Steps for Philanthropy.

Want more?

Read the full state press release.

Watch the full Briefing on Afghan Resettlement Needs in MI.

Learn more about OFL and FLAC’s upcoming conversation. 

Questions? Please connect with Karen Aldridge Eason, Foundation Liaison, OFL.