CNS photo/Staff Sgt. Victor Mancilla, U.S. Marines handout via Reuters

ATLANTA–Catholic Charities Atlanta’s refugee resettlement services is preparing for the arrival of Afghan refugees after the Taliban takeover of the country. CCA issued the following statement Aug. 20, encouraging Catholics to learn about ways to help refugee families:

“The events unfolding in Afghanistan are tragic. Catholic Charities Atlanta (CCA) stands ready to welcome those families being resettled to the U.S. who sacrificed so much to aid American efforts over the past 20 years. In cooperation with our partners in the community, we are helping families directed to Atlanta restart their lives.

‘We are reminded of the work we did in the mid 70’s when the first wave of Vietnamese refugees came to Atlanta,’ Vanessa Russell, CEO of Catholic Charities Atlanta said. ‘We supported those Vietnamese families who needed us then, and we are here for these newest refugees from Afghanistan who need us now.’

Monetary donations will be accepted, and a link to purchase essential items such as cleaning supplies and bedding is provided on the CCA Afghan Refugee Crisis page.