Afghan Refugees
Following the withdrawal of the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2021, St. Mark’s answered the call to help Afghan refugees. In partnership with Christ Church+Washington Parish and Good Neighbors Capitol Hill (GNCH) and with the support and guidance of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capitol Area, we offered assistance including furnishing apartments, rent payments, navigating Medicaid, and mentoring for ESL. As we exchanged stories, shared food and celebrated family milestones our lives have been enriched by these new friendships. In response to the emergency situation, St. Mark’s established a Temporary Fund that received donations and distributed funds up until an agreed date of November 1, 2025. While the Temporary Fund is now ended, St. Mark’s will continue refugee work in collaboration with GNCH as it begins a new phase as a stand-alone non-profit. If you would like to help, please contact Kim Bayliss (baylissdc@gmail.com) or Karen Getman (Karen.getman@gmail.com).