Together, we are shifting the paradigm of welcoming.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001, an opportunity for all of us to remember and honor all those who perished on that day, and the loved ones who still grieve their loss. Hearts & Homes founder Kathie O'Callaghan was in Westchester that day, then spent the following days working with her fellow volunteer firefighters at the ruins of World Trade Center. Hearts & Homes program director Amy Robertson watched the towers crumble from the rooftop of her apartment building in lower Manhattan. Many of our hundreds of volunteers were in or near New York City on September 11, 2001, and like everyone alive that day, we will never forget it. Our hearts and sympathies are with all who experienced a loss.

The events of that day continue to profoundly affect many of us as individuals, as well as the world we live in today. The World Trade Center attack led to a 20-year war on terrorism that was accompanied by enormous efforts to support development, human rights (in particular women’s rights) and education in Afghanistan. That war ended last month, as we watched the evacuation of Americans and Afghan allies from Afghanistan, and witnessed scenes of chaos, confusion, and the devastating deaths of thirteen U.S. service members and hundreds of Afghan nationals. Tens of thousands of Afghans have arrived in the U.S., while hundreds of thousands of our allies were left behind.

Hearts & Homes for Refugees continues to support SIV-eligible Afghans with their paperwork in the hopes of future evacuations. At the same time, we are welcoming our new Afghan neighbors with open arms. It is fitting that tomorrow, amidst National Welcoming Week, we will welcome an Afghan family of seven to our local community. They are the first family of this wave of arrivals to be resettled in our county, and we are proud to partner with the family and with Catholic Charities of New York on their resettlement. We look forward to welcoming the families that will follow.

We thank all of our donors and volunteers. You ARE the welcoming movement, it would not be possible without the strength of your passion and commitment. Together, we are shifting the paradigm of welcoming.

Kathie O’Callaghan

President & Founder

Amy Robertson

Program Director