DETROIT – People are still scrambling to get out of Afghanistan following the US withdrawal and Taliban takeover of the country.
An estimated 1,300 Afghans might be settling in Michigan before the end of the year.
Bethany Christian Services is hoping to give people a new home after more than 50,000 have been forced to flee.
Read: US expects to admit more than 50,000 evacuated Afghans
In the chaos of the evacuation many are still trapped and under threat.
“The evacuation was sudden and chaotic and violent as we’ve seen,” said Susan Kragt, with Bethany Christian Services.
“Right now they are hiding,” said Bethany president Chris Palusky. “They’re in lockdown and they are hiding because the believe their lives are in jeopardy.”
That danger is mounting with each passing day. “I can’t stress enough, just the fear, the stress and it’s getting worse by the day,” Palusky said.
Many are coming to the United States with visa status after working with the U.S. Military and allied forces. Others are looking for refuge.
Related: Detroit nonprofit helps asylum seekers find sanctuary in US
“Humanitarian parole is a way to get people in crisis into the country and safe,” Kragt said. “We’ll work out next steps as they come.”
The biggest issue is finding housing. While services like Bethany have partners, they’re also asking Michigander to open their own homes to give those who need one to stay as they resettle in the Great Lakes State.
Related: Metro Detroit groups try to ease transition for Afghan refugees coming to Michigan
More information on Bethany Christian Services can be found on its official website here.