Monroe County and several local agencies providing aid to Afghan refugees

Rochester, New York — Refugees from Afghanistan who are being relocated to our area will receive help from Monroe County and several local agencies.

According to Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, the county’s Veteran Service Agency has been directed to provide some veteran benefits to Afghans who helped U.S. forces during the 20-year war in Afghanistan, as well as their families.

The agency will also help refugees connect with employment services and, with the help of the DeMarco Taylor Law Group, legal assistance.

Catholic Family Center and the Veterans Outreach Center will offer a variety of respective services, such as access to public assistance programs or peer support.

“For two decades, the courage and sacrifice of our Afghan translators and navigators who protected our troops, providing to be an invaluable asset to our armed services in helping to save American lives, we are indebted to them in our service,” said Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY). “As we continue our work to evacuate our allies from the turmoil in Afghanistan, we have a solemn duty and obligation to ensure these men and women and their families are safe because it’s the right thing to do, because the United States must continue to be true to our word. We must protect our allies and lead from the front.”

By now, Monroe County has welcomed 50 refugees, and as many as 200 more are expected by the end of the year.