By Sumeet Pamma, Director of External Affairs
December 2023

In August 2021, Mohammad faced the harrowing task of guiding his family through the chaotic streets of Kabul, seeking safety from the Taliban. This journey led them to the airport gates, where tragedy struck—a suicide bombing. Amidst the chaos, Mohammad's eldest child, Amir, went missing. 

Days turned into weeks of tireless searching but hope prevailed. A phone call revealed that Amir was alive, safe on a U.S. military base, swept away to safety in the aftermath of the explosion. Two years passed with Amir in foster care, waiting for his family's evacuation. This past summer, Opening Doors welcomed Mohammad and the rest of his family to Sacramento, reuniting a family torn apart. 

Many still face challenges in finding a true home, even after they reunite or arrive here safely. That's where Welcome House steps in—an innovative solution providing shared, temporary housing in single-family homes. This isn't just shelter; it's a fully-stocked home, complete with a kitchen and a safe space for kids to play, making it 65% more cost-efficient than alternatives.