UTAH

Gov. Cox announces fund for incoming Afghan refugees

Oct 19, 2021, 5:39 PM

Afghan refugees...

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) speaks with attendees at an announcement of the Afghan Community Fund for the benefit of incoming Afghan refugees at the State Capitol Building on October 19, 2021 (Nick Wyatt, KSL NewsRadio)

(Nick Wyatt, KSL NewsRadio)

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced a new community fund aimed at helping Afghan refugees resettle in Utah Tuesday. 

Afghan Community Fund

According to the governor’s office, more than 750 Afghan refugees will come to Utah over the coming months to start new lives. Many of them were granted humanitarian parolee status. 

It will be overseen by the two refugee resettlement agencies in Utah, Catholic Community Services and the International Rescue Committee, as well as leaders from World Trade Center Utah, Muslim Civic League, and Utah Refugee Services Office.

Gov. Cox: money will be used for women and children

Gov. Cox says the Afghan Community Fund will allocate money to cover legal assistance, healthcare, and special needs for women and children. The money will help where public assistance ends.

“We know that there are going to be gaps between the funding that we receive for housing and food, and the necessities that they need to make a life here in Utah,” said Cox. 

The project involves local businesses, non-profit organizations, and private donors. Gov. Cox says Utah is known for its willingness to help those in need. 

“We have so many generous and caring Utahns that have expressed their desire to help. Utah has always stepped up when there are crises, national or worldwide,” the governor said. 

Afghan Community Fund Co-chair Naja Lockwood says they have already received some sizeable donations. She says Zions Bank and the Semnani Family Foundation both gave $100,000 and the Sterling Foundation contributed $75,000. 

Visit the Utah Community Fund website for more information about the Afghan Community Fund and for ways to donate

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Gov. Cox announces fund for incoming Afghan refugees