New home needed

The Ahmed family, sponsored by Saint Philip’s and Lutheran Social Services, arrived in Tucson a little less than one year ago.

The family consists of father (Aladdin), mother (Javin), their 13 year old son (Ahmed), 12 year old daughter (Leyla), and 8 year old daughter (Rojhat). There is an older daughter in Kurdistan who is married with a child.

Saint Philip’s parishioner Jane Prescott-Smith with the Ahmed family in their apartment.* Photo: Saint Philip’s parishioner Ann Wilbanks

The Ahmed family has worked hard to adjust to life in Tucson. The children are enrolled in school, everyone is trying to learn English, and Aladdin has a full-time job.

There are constant challenges, however.

Chronic medical issues demand attention; parishioner Ann Wilbanks spends about 20 hours each week driving different family members to doctors’ appointments. Aladdin has a full-time job but earns only minimum wage. He works hard but it’s a struggle to meet monthly expenses.

The soaring rents in Tucson affect the Ahmeds, too. Their current lease expires at the end of this year and the landlord will raise the rent. The Ahmeds can’t pay more than their existing rent so they will have to move.

The family is looking for a two bedroom, one bath apartment that costs no more than $1,000.00 per month. The ideal location would be near Kolb and Broadway. This would allow the children to continue to use their school’s transport system.

If you know of an apartment or a sympathetic landlord, please email parishioner Jane Prescott-Smith at JanePrescottSmith@gmail.com. Thank you!