Resilience Fund strengthens Afghanistan response

In the aftermath of the devastating and sudden cuts to foreign aid from USAID, Alongside Hope’s Resilience Fund is providing affected partners with additional funding to ensure their programs continue. This includes Village Health Works in Burundi, Rape Hurts Foundation in Uganda, and Church World Service in Tanzania. Alongside Hope is also continuing its support to Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) and its local partner in Afghanistan to help families facing growing food insecurity. With your additional support through the Resilience Fund, Alongside Hope was able to increase its funding significantly, ensuring that thousands of families will receive food this winter in Bamyan province. The Cash-for-Food Project provides families with money to buy their own food, maintaining their dignity and agency in making household decisions. 

This work comes at an important time. Cuts to international aid, including the withdrawal of USAID, have forced humanitarian organizations to reduce operations across Afghanistan. Many provincial offices have closed, scaling back access to already vulnerable communities. Despite these challenges, core operations remain active in key regions of the country, where trusted relationships allow PWS&D’s local partner to continue delivering culturally sensitive and effective assistance. 

By helping families purchase essentials such as flour, oil, legumes and fuel, this project ensures they can make it through the harsh winter months with stability. Alongside Hope’s contribution from its Canadian Foodgrains Bank equity is also vital for maintaining operations, keeping key staff, safeguarding logistics and monitoring functions. In other words, helping to keep the response strong at a time when needs are greater than ever. 

Recently widowed, Zahra’s son left for Iran in search of work and her three daughters are living with untreated disabilities. Zahra struggled daily to put food on the table. Her youngest daughter, just 12, earned a modest income from tailoring, but it was never enough. 

“This assistance saved us this [past] winter from hunger, malnutrition, and even death,” Zahra said. “For this, we are truly grateful.” 

When an accident left 32-year-old Mohammad paralyzed, his wife Parwin was forced to care for him and their four young children. With no income, the family lost their home and moved into a cave. Often, they survived on nothing more than potatoes and dry bread. 

The Cash-for-Food Project brought them relief. Over five months, the assistance allowed them to buy flour, oil, sugar and other staples. “When we received the help, it felt like a miracle,” Parwin said. “This support was more than food — it was dignity, survival, and the chance to continue.” 

For 65-year-old Ghulam, the loss of his son, and soon after, his vision, meant he could no longer work to support his family. His wife, Sabira, worked sporadically as a labourer, but the family still went hungry most nights. 

Ghulam added, “I may have lost my sight, but I can still feel the warmth of this kindness. It has given my family the opportunity to live again.” 

*names have been changed

How you can help 

PRAY for Afghan refugee families, women rebuilding their lives after gender-based violence, and communities across Afghanistan and beyond who are suffering from the devastating impact of aid cuts. 

ACT by speaking with your Member of Parliament about their commitment to international aid. Use our Letter Builder and Advocacy Tools. Share this Emergency Appeal leaflet with your parish. 

GIVE. No gift is too small. Together, we can multiply hope – just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes. You can give online to our Resilience Fund, or call 1-866-308-7973 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to make your donation over the phone, or mail a cheque to Alongside Hope, 80 Hayden Street, 3rd floor, Toronto, Ont., M4Y 3G2 and mark “Resilience Fund” in the memo field.