We visited the family of Mr. Padam Kharel on 08 January 2009. The family is currently housed in Concord, NH, since 18 August 2008. There are 16 families in the apartment complex we visited at 175 Loudon Road and there are 3 more closer to the Concord downtown. Mr. Kharel drove a tourist bus before coming to the US. We brought old winter clothing to them, which was cleaned beforehand, and two pair of men's shoes.

A summary of what we found and what they needed is as follows.

They need driver's licenses, English language skills, PC, children/youth clothing, help with homework, counseling to get into community college or similar, and help in finding any job. They look forward to our facilitating a temple visit.

We also met another man of Nepali ancestry who was in the US for the last 7 years. He helped them with occasional car rides and interfacing with local matters and culture. We impressed upon them the importance of passing at least the written part of the driver’s license exam. All children are going to a school if they get admitted. Owing to their age, children older than 18 have been denied admission in public schools. Children felt that they might find better job prospects if located near a large city such as Boston.

A person of West Cameroon origin arrived while we were there. He identified himself as Wesley and claimed to have come to help them as friends. He wore a heavy gold chain with a matching heavy gold cross.

Mr. Kharel told us that most other families had fathers as breadwinners but their professions or vocations were not easily adaptable in the US. Some examples were: painter, teacher, etc. I felt that they also needed help from a social worker or attorney regarding what else they may be eligible for as refugees. We should consider collecting about $5K as a fund for sundry needs which may be of short notice, such as license fees, application fees, etc.

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