Former refugee, small business owner, steps up for community in time of need

“I promise to keep 6ft distance and Airfive u,” reads a Facebook post from Mustafa Nuur, Lancaster, Pennsylvania resident and owner of Bridge, a small business that connects locals with newly resettled refugees.

Like many people around the country, Mustafa has taken to social media to rally his community to help vulnerable neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). With the help of a couple of friends, Mustafa is organizing grocery deliveries for local families.

“Helping each other is the best way to be neighbors at this uncertain time,” says Mustafa.

Mustafa and his family know all too well about uncertain times and how a supportive community can help you persevere. As a child, he was forced to flee his home in Somalia and lived in a refugee camp for eight years before being resettled to Lancaster in 2014.

Since arriving to the U.S., Mustafa has made it his mission to bring more kindness and understanding to his new community. He is now a leading voice in Lancaster helping connect newly resettled refugees with their neighbors. A few years ago, he launched Bridge, a social enterprise where Lancaster residents can book cross-cultural experiences with local refugees to hear their story, to enjoy their food and build community.

Like so many small business owners across the U.S., Mustafa has been directly impacted by the coronavirus; all Bridge events have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. 

Even against the backdrop of crisis, Mustafa sees an opportunity to bring his community together: “I have seen the community already rally around each other so I am confident that more people will be helping.”   

How you can help…

Do you know an everyday hero like Mustafa who is rallying their community during this time of need? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at Press@usaforunhcr.org and help us spread some more good news.

Want to do more? The UN Refugee Agency is on the ground ensuring health and safety for refugees – but we need your help. Donate today and help rush critical supplies like medicine, clean water, hygiene supplies and personal protection kits to desperate children and families.