Good news

Saint Philip’s has sponsored the Ahmed family since they arrived in Tucson from Syria a little over one year ago. In December, Saint Philip’s community was asked to help find the family a new home as the lease for their existing residence ended on January 31.

Good news! The family was able to move into a 3-bedroom townhome that is part of a triplex in the Garden District of Tucson. The new home is within walking distance to grocery stores and other necessities. Having a third bedroom means Ahmad, the teenage son, will not have to be in the same bedroom with his sisters, Lehlav and Rojhat.

The Kurdish community rallied to help the Ahmed family by providing trucks and many helpers to assist with their move. Saint Philip’s parishioners, Jacqui and Brad Johns, did amazing work to prepare the house: they repaired a rotten beam at the front entrance and repainted the front eave. They also assisted the Ahmeds by communicating with the landlord and handyman to repair the water heater. The family now has hot water and should receive a washing machine this week.

Temporary rental assistance from the Pima County Rapid Rehousing program and Saint Philip’s will give the family time to build their savings which, in turn, will help them have more financial stability.

Lehlav, the daughter with special educational needs, is now assigned to Doolen Middle School. She is in a very small class with specialists who can provide resources to implement her individualized education plan (IEP). Lehlav appears very happy in her new school. 

A very big thank you to everyone who has donated time, finances, and prayers to this family.

If you would like to learn more about Saint Philip’s sponsorship or support this effort financially, please contact Dcn Leah Sandwell-Weiss at lsandwellweiss@gmail.com.