After Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s announcement on Sept. 16, 2021, Canopy Northwest Arkansas began to take action to house Afghan refugees. With the U.S. Army’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, local Afghan civilians are seeking a safe house. Arkansas may be that safehouse.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a press release:
“I received notification from the White House that Arkansas has been allotted up to 98 Afghan refugee cases. While we are waiting on specific information, I have been briefed on the heightened security vetting and comprehensive health screenings, intake, and vaccinations that are being implemented by our federal partners. We are expecting Afghan refugees in the near future with more coming as they are assigned to the resettlement agencies in the state by their national parent organizations. Refugee relocation is being assisted by faith-based organizations and local sponsors so refugees will successfully integrate to life in Arkansas.”
One of these faith-based organizations Gov. Hutchinson referred to is Canopy.
Canopy is an organization that seeks to help refugees. The organization started as a mere 50-member team in a church basement. Their support grew, and now they lead the way for refugee housing in Northwest Arkansas. Their website defines Canopy’s mission, which is “to provide a robust network of support for refugees resettling in Northwest Arkansas.” Canopy will be helping and advocating for those 98 Afghan refugees seeking asylum in the area.
Canopy intern and John Brown University student Emma Brown says, “Their mission statement summarizes their goals perfectly: Our mission is to create a community where refugees are welcomed and equipped with all they need to build new lives.”
Brown highlighted her passion for advocating on behalf of those who do not have a voice. Time and helping hands are the biggest resources an organization like Canopy looks for. “The physical resources that Canopy provides includes housing and financial aid,” Brown added. More than just tangible support, Canopy provides refugees with an opportunity to become independent.
Brown encouraged anybody, but especially JBU students, to donate anything they can. “Canopy looks for all kinds of resources: blankets, deodorant or any donation they have the capabilities to give,” she explained.
Alongside Brown and Canopy, Gov. Hutchinson beseeched Arkansas residents to lend a compassionate perspective to these refugees.
Gov. Hutchinson concluded his press release saying, “These refugees have supported the United States over the past 20 years. We want to help relocate these allies for their protection and the protection of their families from the sure peril they will face if they remain in Afghanistan.”
Learn more about how to help Afghan refugees at canopynwa.org.