Thursday November 7, 2024
The Somali Community Self-Management Agency is in Salt Lake City is a full-service support agency that helps African refugees become self sufficient as they transition into our local communities from places like Somalia and the Sudan.
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — The Somali Community Self-Management Agency is in Salt Lake City isa full-service support agency that helps African refugees become self sufficient as they transition into our local communities from places like Somalia and the Sudan.
Abdirizak Ibrahim is the executive director of this self-contained little city at1578 West and 1700 South.
“We have a restaurant, a grocery store, a barber shop, a clothing store, a tailor shop and we also have a mosque for prayer," he said.
Ibrahim said many Somali refugees come to Utah with nothing. They arrive here to escape civil war and violence in their home country. Most of them are already in debt when they get to America.
Those who can find work usually send a lot of their wages home to support other family members.
The Somali center has a bank window and a teller who helps with money transfers back home.
Ibrahim said, “They have a lot working against them. It’s very tough because nowadays gas is expensive, the food is expensive, the rent is expensive, everything is going up.”
Osman Mohamed runs the Dahabshiil Aid Agency in the building. He came to America years ago with his family and he said the Somali Center fills a vital role for incoming refugees.
“For them it feels like home here. They chat with the people in the refugee community that they know, and they stay connected to their homeland. They also talk about America and the challenges they are facing here. It’s really very important for them to stay positive and happy,” he said.
Mohamed also said he is very proud of what he has accomplished since coming to America.
“I am happy to be an American citizen," he said.
The needs here are many: food donations are needed for the pantry, not to mention clothing donations and diapers for refugee children.
The Management Agency needs help and will accept any donations.
Al is starting his own 501c3 charity to help. He is American but knows about the hardships of new incoming refugees.
“They are in debt when they arrive and it puts them in a bad situation where they have to find work to be able to give back to their families, meanwhile the bills don’t stop for anyone, and this is why we want to bring attention to their plight," Al said.
KUTV wanted to help the Somali Community Self-Management Center.
Jennifer Tarazon with Mountain America Credit Union presented a $500 gift to Ibrahim to help many of the daily needs that crop up at the facility.
For more information on the Somali Community Self Management Agency, visit their Facebook page.