New in San José: Vital Resources for Afghan Refugees Seeking Stability and Support

By Nowruz Media | San José, California

As thousands of Afghan refugees continue to rebuild their lives in the United States, the City of San José has gathered a comprehensive list of critical resources to help newly arrived Afghans transition successfully into their new communities. From translation tools and legal support to financial assistance and housing aid, these services aim to address urgent needs while promoting long-term stability.

Breaking Language Barriers with Tarjimly

One of the most powerful tools now available is Tarjimly, a mobile app created in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Tarjimly connects refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarian workers with volunteer translators from a global network of 8,000+ multilingual speakers. The app offers live chat, document sharing, and voice/video interpretation, helping eliminate language barriers in real time.

📱 Learn more at tarjimly.org

Financial Empowerment for Afghan Families: The SAFE Program

The Support for Afghan Financial Empowerment (SAFE) initiative—launched by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and its Center for Economic Opportunity—helps Afghan families gain control over their finances. Key features include:

• A multilingual web portal available nationwide

• One-on-one financial coaching in Fari and Pashto

• Access to zero-interest loans for auto, education, immigration, and personal needs

🌐 Visit SAFE’s online portal

Finding a Home: Afghan Support and Investment Program (ASIP)

The California Department of Social Services developed the ASIP program to support Afghan newcomers with direct housing assistance and supportive services. Eligible households include:

• Afghan nationals paroled into the U.S. between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2022

• SIV holders, refugees, asylees, and SI/SQ parolees

📌 Applications are handled through resettlement agencies or community partners. In the Bay Area, contact IRC Northern California or email: ASIP@rescue.org
More info: CDSS ASIP page

Legal Support: Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

The Department of Homeland Security has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Afghans residing in the U.S. as of March 15, 2022, protecting them from deportation and allowing them to apply for work permits.

💼 Need help applying for TPS? Find legal providers: immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory

Volunteer or Donate: Help Refugees in San José

The urgent need for temporary and permanent housing, household items, and financial donations continues in San José. Here’s how you can help:

📍 International Rescue Committee (IRC), San José

• Donate Online: Soft Landing Fund

• Mail Checks To:
  IRC, 1210 S. Bascom Ave. Suite 227, San Jose, CA 95128

• Donate Items or Gift Cards:
  Amazon, Target, Uber, IKEA, and more
  Amazon Wishlist

• Email Questions: DonateSJ@rescue.org

🧺 Learn more: Ways to Support IRC San José

📍 Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley (JFS SV)

• Donate Furniture or Create Welcome Baskets
  Contact: furnituredonation@jfssv.org

• Mentor, Tutor, or Provide Transportation
  Contact: Lori Cinnamon – loric@jfssv.org, (408) 357-7456

• Housing Help or Job Referrals
  Contact: Caroline Golpashin – carolineg@jfssv.org

These programs are not only helping Afghan refugees navigate resettlement, but also empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope in their new communities.

📰 Stay updated with Nowruz Media for more resources and community stories.