Mountain Haven holds fundraiser for refugee family

To help with Afghani refugee relocation, the Whitefish Mountain Haven Sponsorship Circle, in conjunction with Valley Neighbors and the Whitefish United Methodist Church, is working to bring a family to the Flathead Valley this summer. They need the community’s help.

Mountain Haven and Whitefish United Methodist Church are hosting a soup, roll and cookie fundraiser on April 24 for a free-will donation. Mountain Haven suggests $10 per meal but will accept what you can afford. The homemade soups being offered are taco and vegetable noodle.

Please pre-order by Thursday, April 21 at goodmd4u2@gmail.com.

Dine-in at the Methodist church at 1150 Wisconsin Avenue, from 11 a.m. to noon on April 24, or pick up your meal that day from the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds will go toward the family’s resettlement.

Before a refugee family can be assigned to an area, the U.S. government requires several milestones. There must be a sponsorship group willing to help with various needs, such as translators and legal assistance and Mountain Haven has recently been approved.

There also needs to be adequate funding to ensure financial stability for at least three months. Mountain Haven is working to raise the required $9,000, which the soup/cookie fundraiser will support. Valley Neighbors, who have relocated other families here, has pledged a $5,000 matching grant, once Mountain Haven has raised the initial $5,000.

The government also requires that local employment be available and affordable housing secured.

Mountain Haven is seeking a two-bedroom housing option (or larger), as well as employment opportunities. It is important to note that at least one family member speaks English.

Once settled, Mountain Haven will help the family with other needs, such as transportation, necessary documentation, health care, schools, shopping, cultural acclimation, etc.

Monetary donations can be made through the Whitefish United Methodist Church, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Note that the donation is for ‘Refugees’.

Anyone interested in helping can contact the Mountain Haven representative at goodmd4u2@gmail.com.