Press Releases

Montgomery County Council Statement on Current Events in Afghanistan

For Immediate Release: Friday, August 20, 2021

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 20, 2021—The Montgomery County Council issued the following statement in response to the current events in Afghanistan and the ongoing withdrawal of U.S. troops.

“The situation in Afghanistan has left many in our community feeling disheartened and asking what we can do.

“The refugees who have arrived in the U.S. with their families have risked their lives for years to support our efforts in Afghanistan in the war against terrorism, but now their lives would be at an even greater risk if they stayed in their home country. We appreciate the State’s support in welcoming these refugees and standing ready and willing to accept more.

“Our hearts are heavy and our prayers are with them. In this difficult time, we ask that the Montgomery County community continue to help us foster a welcoming and neighborly environment for Afghan refugees if they settle in the County.

“We also want to extend a reminder that this is a trying time for veterans, members of the U.S. Armed Forces and civilian residents. Seeing tragedy after tragedy unfold on the news on the other side of the world can be difficult, especially if you or someone you know, as many of us do, have a connection to Afghanistan.

“We are also thinking of our Gold Star families and their loved ones who died serving our nation. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. The Council encourages veterans, members of the U.S. Armed Forces and impacted residents alike to seek support in this difficult time – know that County resources are available.”

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Resources for impacted residents:

• Montgomery County Crisis Center: Immediate response to mental health and situational crises through telephone, walk-in and mobile outreach services; open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and located at 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD; or call 240-777-4000
• Montgomery County Hotline: 301-738-2255

For U.S. veterans:

• Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs - montgomerycountymd.gov/veterans or call 240-418-4865 
• EveryMind Serving Together program for Military & Veterans: 1-855-738-7176
• Veterans Crisis Line: veteranscrisisline.net; or call 1-800-273-8255
• Women Veterans Hotline: Call 855-829-6636; or contact the Vet Center Call Center: 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387)

State, national and local organizations for refugee resources and resettlement services - please note that the first three are not County-run initiatives:

• Maryland Office for Refugees and Asylees: dhs.maryland.gov/mora
• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: lirs.org/help-our-afghan-allies
  • DMV area volunteer sign-up form can be found here
• International Rescue Committee’s “Welcome to Maryland Fund,” which is an emergency response fund for Afghans resettled in Maryland; information can be found here
• Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center: montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist; or call 240-777-4940, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The references to private and nonprofit organizations providing assistance are for the information and convenience of the public. Residents are encouraged to visit websites like Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) and GiveWell (givewell.org) to make decisions on charitable giving. In addition, GuideStar (guidestar.org) provides tools that allow residents to compare data on nonprofit organizations.

Release ID: 21-332
Media Contact: Sonya Healy 240-777-7926, Lucia Jimenez 240-777-7932