NOVA Commissioned to Provide Shelter for Afghan Refugees

August 23, 2021 / General NOVA News

On Friday night, August 20, state and federal agencies asked NOVA to activate its Emergency Shelter Plan to provide a “state transfer point” (STP) for several hundred Afghan refugees fleeing their homeland for safety. In all, more than 170 men, women and children were bussed to NOVA as they awaited return to the airport for the next flight on a very long journey.

The college Office of Emergency Management and Safety, along with dozens of volunteers from NOVA, George Mason University and the local Afghani community stepped up in record time. NOVA provided the Ernst Center, cots to sleep on and care packages that included basic hygiene supplies and even crayons for the children. The local chapter of the American Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations provided water and an abundance of vital supplies. Members of the local Afghan community stepped forward to provide a staggering amount of food, translation support and compassion, and the entire NOVA community came out in droves with diapers, infant formula, toys and clothing and shoes for every age.

It was expected that the STP would remain active throughout the weekend, with potentially as many as 1,200 refugees needing shelter. NOVA’s Emergency Operations Team, which includes staff from OEM, NOVA Administration, Police, Communications, Facilities, Finance, Human Resources; as well as members of the Fairfax County Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the U.S. Department of State brought personal supplies to staff shifts that were anticipated to extend through Sunday night. On Saturday evening, however, the State Department identified a shelter location that was closer to the airport and still provided for the refugees’ needs; and they, along with Governor Northam, deactivated the shelter at NOVA.

In her note to the NOVA community on Saturday evening, Dr. Anne Kress said, “I am incredibly grateful to all who volunteered their time in service to the refugees who were sheltered at NOVA last night through this afternoon. Members of our community and the wider community offered support, assistance and a warm welcome around the clock, and their generosity was overwhelming. Those who sheltered at our college arrived seeking a sense of security and safety and needing kindness and care. They found it at NOVA.”

This weekend was a brilliant illustration of the tremendous strength and compassion that is NOVA. It also speaks to the value of our state, federal and education partners who willingly come together to lend comfort and kindness where it is deeply needed. Thank you NOVA for being NOVA! 

Neat lines of cots, pillows, blankets and Red Cross comfort kits fill the gymnasium in the Ernst Center.
Cots and Blankets stand ready to provide much needed rest.
Critical items like diapers, baby wipes, toilet paper stacked and ready for those in need.
Items so easily taken for granted, but when you’re without them, they are greatly missed.
Bleachers pulled out and lined with shoes, racks hung with clothing, bags and boxes fill the Ernst stage, ready for families to come take what they need.
Clothing and Shoes were donated for those who had to leave with only what they wore.
Steve Partridge shows one of the many store rooms filled with donations.
NOVA VP Steve Partridge shows one of the many store rooms filled with donations.

 

Submitted by:
Kathy Thompson, Comms, KAThompson@nvcc.edu