Cornelius Community Comes Together To Bring Afghan Family To North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, NC –  An Afghan family of six now calls Cornelius home. It took a community effort online to bring them to the area and provide housing, supplies, and food.  The family left everything behind in hopes for a new life and escaping the Taliban in Afghanistan.

“They fear for their lives so much that they don’t even care what they’re leaving behind.”

The emotions are still raw for Trana Rashid of Cornelius.

“They are being treated terribly just because they’re born there,” said Rashid.

Rashid is a first-generation American. Her Afghani parents fled the country during the Soviet invasion.

“I still have that tie. I’ve seen them sacrifice everything. I’ve seen them work from bottom up,” explained Rashid.

A couple of weeks ago, she came across a message online. A local military family with a solemn obligation to help afghans who aided US troops over the last 20 years had rented housing and sponsored a family.

Rashid was all in.

“I was like hey! I speak the language. Is there anything I can help with?” said Rashid.

With essentially only the clothing on their backs. An Afghan family of six, who had supported US troops during the war,  was safely able to leave Afghanistan. Their plane lifted off just hours before the terror attack at the airport.

“They feel very lucky to be here,” said Rashid.

Rashid was one of the first people to greet them. She did so in their native language.

“Being able to say hi, how are you?” in Farsi. They were just like, like wait, what’s going on here?,” said Rashid with a smile.

She served as the family’s interpreter to fill out paperwork and get settled. She also offered comfort and support during a difficult time.

“The wife was just staring out the window and she’s like I’m sorry I want to enjoy every minute of this, but I can’t because I’m thinking of them back home,” explained Rashid.

Dozens of people pitched in to provide basics and food for the family. The kids are now learning English and the parents are looking for work.

“It was just very shocking to see everyone come together. Very humbling. It made me very proud,” said Rashid.