First post-war Afghan refugee arrives in Mid-Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The first refugee from post-war Afghanistan arrived in Columbia on Sunday, a charity that helps resettle refugees said Wednesday.

The refugee, identified by Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri as Fazal, was greeted at the Columbia Regional Airport by a group that included newly-hired staff who speak Pashto, the charity said. The charity said refugees need food, clothing, shelter, jobs, English language training and introduction to their new communities when they arrive here.

Catholic Charities is the only designated resettlement organization in Mid-Missouri. The charity said it relies on community members to help refugees, including those who can serve as Community Sponsors.

The charity said last month it is prepared to resettle more than 300 Afghan refugees in Mid-Missouri. Thousands of Afghans have fled from the fallout of the U.S. withdrawal from their home country and the subsequent Taliban rise to power.

Another 625 refugees are heading to the Kansas City area.