By Megan, Bridge Builders Network Staff
As we approach Thanksgiving, many of us are preparing to gather with loved ones, share a meal and reflect on the people and blessings that make our lives meaningful. For millions of Afghan families, however, the coming winter brings uncertainty, hardship and the daily challenge of meeting basic needs.
The situation in Afghanistan remains deeply concerning. Years of conflict, economic hardship and restrictions on fundamental freedoms continue to affect communities across the country. At the same time, the return of millions of Afghans from neighboring countries is placing additional strain on families already struggling to recover.
A Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
According to an October 2026 report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme, approximately 19.2 million people in Afghanistan are projected to face acute food insecurity during the winter months from November 2026 through April 2027. That represents nearly 38% of the population. An estimated five million people are expected to face emergency levels of hunger.
These numbers represent more than a humanitarian statistic. They represent parents struggling to feed their children, families trying to find work and people facing impossible choices between food, shelter, heating and other necessities. Even when food is available in local markets, many families simply cannot afford it.
The crisis is compounded by declining humanitarian assistance. Aid organizations are facing significant funding shortages just as the need for food, healthcare, shelter and other essential services is growing. As winter approaches, these shortages become even more urgent.
Afghanistan's women and girls also continue to face severe restrictions on their daily lives, including access to education, employment and freedom of movement. In an October 8 statement, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported that at least 52 women and one girl had been arrested or detained in Kabul and Herat between July and September over alleged violations of dress requirements and other restrictions. The UN warned that these practices further threaten women's rights, safety and participation in public life.
Millions Returning to an Uncertain Future
Another major development is the large number of Afghans returning from neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan. Many have lived outside Afghanistan for years, and some have been forced to return under difficult circumstances.
According to UNHCR and IOM return monitoring data, approximately 1.37 million Afghans had returned to the country during 2026 as of October 24. Many returnees arrive with limited resources and must find housing, income and basic necessities in communities already under considerable pressure.
For families who have spent years building lives elsewhere, returning may mean starting over with very little. Children must adjust to unfamiliar circumstances, parents must search for work and entire families must navigate an uncertain future.
Humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations and its nongovernmental partners, are working to provide emergency assistance, shelter, food, healthcare and support for people returning to Afghanistan. Their efforts are essential, but the scale of the crisis far exceeds the resources currently available.
Thanksgiving: Turning Gratitude Into Action
Thanksgiving invites us to consider what it means to have enough, to share what we have and to make room for others at the table. It is also an opportunity to remember that the ability to gather safely with family, prepare a meal and look toward the future is not something everyone can take for granted.
At Bridge Builders, we believe that small acts of compassion can make a meaningful difference. Supporting refugees and asylum seekers is not only about responding to an immediate crisis. It is about building lasting relationships and creating a community where people can find connection, stability and hope.
As the holiday season approaches, there are practical ways to put that belief into action:
Give what you can. A financial contribution to Bridge Builders or a trusted humanitarian organization can help support families facing urgent needs.
Meet practical needs. Reach out to Bridge Builders to learn what support is currently needed to support our ongoing programs and service efforts.
Offer your time and skills. Helping someone practice English, navigate community resources, prepare for an interview or get connected to local services can make a real difference. Volunteering at Bridge Builders is a great way to get connected to tangible ways to help.
Build relationships. Invite someone to share a meal, learn about their experiences or participate in a community gathering. Meaningful inclusion begins when people are welcomed not simply as recipients of help, but as neighbors and friends.
Keep learning and speaking up. Stay informed about the challenges facing displaced people and support efforts that protect human dignity, expand opportunity and build peaceful communities. Voting is another excellent way to support underserved communities.
A Season of Hope
We cannot solve every crisis in the world, and it can be difficult to know where to begin when the needs seem so great. But we can begin with the people in front of us. We can share what we have, make room for someone new and choose not to let distance make another person's hardship invisible.
This Thanksgiving, may our gratitude move us beyond reflection and toward action. For Afghan families facing another difficult winter, and for refugees building new lives here in San Diego, a caring community can be a powerful source of encouragement.
Sometimes, peace begins not with a grand gesture, but with one person deciding that another person should not have to face hardship alone.
Thank you for being part of the Bridge Builders Network community and for helping make compassion, connection and belonging possible.
This article draws on reporting and humanitarian updates from the United Nations, UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration. Figures reflect reports available in October 2026.