For four years, Safia and Farida, a mother-daughter duo lived with relatives in Queens, New York. Then, without warning, Safia’s son asked them to leave. Homeless overnight, they had nowhere to go. This was even a more dire situation given that Farida lives with cerebral palsy and requires accommodations. With nowhere to go in the middle of the night, they were shocked and terrified. A compassionate neighbor opened their basement, but the space was cramped and poorly suited to Farida’s needs. Every day, Farida had to navigate steep stairs just to reach a shared bathroom.
Finding a Lifeline
That’s when Women for Afghan Women (WAW) became their lifeline. Since 2017, WAW caseworkers have helped the family secure public benefits, Social Security income, and begin their path to U.S. citizenship. When Safia told her caseworker, Shazia, that they had nowhere safe to live, Shazia immediately filed a Section 8 housing application.
Months passed. Then the call came: Safia and Farida’s voucher had been approved!
“I am very grateful to WAW’s caseworkers for their support” – Safia.
Today, WAW is working with Safia and Farida to find an accessible apartment, one with an elevator, a roll-in shower, and enough space for Farida’s wheelchair. For the first time in years, they can picture a home where Farida moves freely and Safia rests without fear of another midnight eviction.
WAW Caseworkers Create Pathways
WAW caseworkers assist Afghan women and their families in accessing social services and connect them with resources to help secure employment and affordable housing. They provide step-by-step guidance for enrolling children in public school, helping adults begin GED programs, supporting domestic violence survivors through counseling and referrals, and much more.
