NEEDHAM, MASS.—The Tripadvisor Foundation announced a $100,000 donation to the International Institute of New England (IINE) to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to welcome and resettle Afghan evacuees arriving in New England. This donation is part of Tripadvisor and the Tripadvisor Foundation’s broader efforts to support displaced populations and, most recently, Afghan arrivals. Just last month, the Tripadvisor Foundation announced a $1 million grant towards World Central Kitchen’s mobilization that has provided over 150,000 fresh meals, many from local restaurants, to thousands of Afghan families evacuating to the United States, Spain and Qatar.
In response to the current needs throughout New England, IINE has created the Afghan Evacuee Support Fund. The fund will provide direct financial assistance to Afghan families arriving in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Additionally, the fund will support the hiring of specialized IINE case management staff and immigration legal services for evacuees. Evacuees will need immediate shelter, food, and emergency case management. The funding will also help cover costs associated with longer term needs including securing permanent affordable housing, employment services, and English language training.
“As the resettlement efforts for Afghan individuals and families continue across the U.S., Tripadvisor and the Tripadvisor Foundation remain committed to providing support along their journey,” said Stephen Kaufer, Chairman of the Tripadvisor Foundation and CEO of Tripadvisor. “We’re honored to continue to partner with IINE as they lead resettlement efforts in New England and encourage our communities to seek ways they can help newcomers feel welcomed and safe.”
Hundreds Helped Each Year
One of the oldest, non-profit social service organizations serving new Americans in New England, IINE works to resettle hundreds of refugees, asylees, and humanitarian parolees each year. They are currently preparing to receive over 250 Afghan evacuees, in addition to the approximately 350 other individuals and families from around the world who will be welcomed by IINE in New England in the coming year.
“Since 2014, IINE has resettled more than 350 Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs). This has given us the expertise to provide critical programming and meet the urgent needs of the individuals resettling in New England over the next few months,” says Jeff Theilman, President & CEO of IINE.
Over the past five years the Tripadvisor Foundation has provided funding and in-kind support for IINE’s programming, including the donation of free access to tours, activities, and experiences in the Boston area as part of the Welcome Home program. In addition, hundreds of local Tripadvisor employees have donated, volunteered, and connected with individuals and families that IINE has resettled and continued to support.
Tripadvisor and the Tripadvisor Foundation remain committed to helping address the displacement crisis, and have contributed, since 2015, over $8 million to leading humanitarian aid and resettlement organizations. To get involved and support IINE’s local efforts, consider making a contribution to their Afghan Evacuee Support Fund here and click here to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.
