'Ukrainians are in need right now': Houston faith-based nonprofit ready to help war refugees

Ali Al Sudani, chief programs officer for Interfaith Ministries Greater Houston, can relate to what the people of Ukraine are going through.

The nonprofit organization that he works for was responsible for helping him leave Iraq for the U.S. more than a decade ago. 

At the time, Iraq was in the midst of war.

Al Sudani now wants to help Ukrainians fleeing their homeland, especially those who make their way to Southeast Texas, according to Houston NBC affiliate KPRC.

"It actually brings some flashbacks. Ukrainians, they are in need right now," he told the station. "They are in need for our prayers, for our support. They are not here yet, but if they come, we need to raise our voice. We need to be mindful that they might come, and if they come we need the help from all of our community."

The Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston announced that they're ready to welcome any Ukrainian refugees that arrive in the fourth-largest city in the U.S.

Al Sudani said he and his organization will help the newcomers resettle as they did before with other groups.

He told KPRC that "[everyone goes] through the background check, and [they] start [their] own life here.”

In addition to Al Sudani's group, the American Jewish Committee is lending a helping hand by urging Congress to allow the refugees to come to the U.S.

"Families from Ukraine whether they’re Jewish, Christian, whatever their faith is, could be eligible for family reunification here in the United States," AJC regional director Randy Czarlinsky said, KPRC reported.

Al Sudani said that they're welcome here regardless of when they arrive and how long their journeys take.

Since the war between Ukraine and Russia began two weeks ago, one million Ukrainian refugees have fled elsewhere, NPR reported.

"In just seven days we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries," U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi tweeted.

The Ukrainian military continues to defend the country from Russia, with the capital city of Kyiv and Kharviv, the second-largest city, heavily under attack but not yet in Russian control.