A New Life in a New Land: Zalmai Sharifi’s Journey to Safety and Hope

Zalmai Sharifi’s life took a dramatic and irreversible turn when he and his family were flown from Albania to Seattle, Washington. As the head of a household of seven, including young children and a pregnant wife, the weight on his shoulders was immense. He had carried his family across continents, fleeing danger and uncertainty, in search of safety and a future they could begin to rebuild.

But as the plane touched down in the United States, Zalmai’s relief was mixed with anxiety. Stories circulated among Afghan refugee communities, stories of families who had arrived in America only to find themselves homeless, isolated, or unsupported. Would his family face the same fate? Would they have a roof over their heads? His mind raced with urgent questions. Will we have a home? Will anyone help us find permanent housing?

These fears were not unfounded. Zalmai had seen how easy it was for families like his to fall through the cracks. A pressing concern consumed him: his wife was due to give birth in just a few weeks. They had barely arrived, and already, her health - and their baby’s well-being - were in question. Zalmai had heard the terrifying rumors: in America, medical bills could ruin a family. Would she get the care she needed in time? Could they afford it?

Then, something unexpected happened. On February 27, 2025, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Sharifi family was welcomed by staff from No One Left Behind (NOLB). From the moment they arrived, they were not left alone. Smiling faces, warm greetings, and patient hands helped them with their luggage and offered comfort in their new, unfamiliar surroundings. It was a small act of kindness, but to Zalmai, it meant everything. It was the first sign that maybe, just maybe, things would be okay.

The very next day, NOLB took the family to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to begin applying for public benefits. It was a whirlwind of paperwork, interviews, forms in a language Zalmai was still learning, but NOLB was there every step of the way. By the end of the week, Zalmai could feel the cloud of fear beginning to lift.

Then came a moment he would never forget: NOLB secured permanent housing for the family in a quiet and welcoming suburb of Seattle. They didn’t just find an apartment—they signed a lease. It was official. They had a home.

But NOLB wasn’t done.

With the help of a local church, NOLB volunteers sprang into action to furnish the apartment. When Zalmai and his family walked into their new home for the first time, they were stunned. The apartment was not just livable—it was warm, comfortable, and filled with everything they could possibly need. A brand-new 40-inch television stood in the living room next to a clean, modern sofa and chair. A laptop sat ready on a small desk. The bedrooms were fully furnished—a queen-sized bed for him and his wife, bunk beds with fresh mattresses for the children. In the kitchen: pots, pans, plates, utensils, and food. The closets held toiletries, cleaning supplies, and laundry detergent. There were toys for the kids, cozy blankets, and even a stand for the TV. Except for the sofa and chair, every item had been newly purchased.

Zalmai was overwhelmed. He stood in the middle of their apartment, taking it all in. It wasn’t just the quantity of what had been given, it was the care and intention behind it all. He could see how thoughtfully each item had been chosen. There were soft blankets for his pregnant wife. Baby supplies had been tucked away, waiting for the newest addition to their family. Everything had been arranged with purpose and love. It was more than generosity. It was dignity.

One of the most meaningful gestures came next: volunteers offered to drive his wife to her medical appointments. For Zalmai, this was a lifeline. With no car, navigating a new healthcare system while caring for his other children would have been nearly impossible. But with NOLB’s support, his wife received the prenatal care she needed. They were no longer on their own.

He often thought about what would have happened without NOLB. He knew, without a doubt, that they would still be in Albania, or worse, forced back to Afghanistan, where their safety would be in constant jeopardy. The costs of immigration, housing, and medical care would have been insurmountable on their own.

Instead, NOLB made the impossible possible.

Through the organization’s work, Zalmai’s family was enrolled in public assistance programs, including healthcare coverage for his wife and children. They had a place to live. They had access to medical care. They had peace of mind.

But NOLB didn’t stop at basic needs. They looked ahead to the family’s future. Volunteers helped enroll the children in school, ensuring they had backpacks, school supplies, and everything required to thrive. For the first time in a long time, Zalmai could imagine something beyond mere survival. He could envision a life.

“I never could have imagined such a future,” Zalmai said quietly, emotion heavy in his voice. “Thanks to NOLB, my family is not only safe, but also supported and valued. We have a home. We have a chance.”

In just a short time, what began as a journey filled with fear and uncertainty had become a story of resilience, community, and renewed hope. Zalmai Sharifi and his family may have arrived as newcomers, but now, they are neighbors and community members, beginning a new chapter, thanks to the compassion and commitment of those who refused to let them be left behind.