Supporting Our Communities

GCI partners with Catholic Social Services to support Afghan refugees in Alaska

GCI donates phones, service to help ease transition into their new lives

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – With approximately 100 Afghan refugees preparing to call Alaska home, GCI is lending a helping hand. In partnership with Catholic Social Services' Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) program, GCI is donating 100 phones and the first month of service to ensure families have access to vital resources as they begin their new lives.

According to the White House, the United States has evacuated more than 116,000 people out of Afghanistan since August 14, 2021. As part of this effort, Catholic Social Services' RAIS program welcomed the first refugees to Alaska in October, with more expected to arrive in the coming months.

"Our hearts are with all those who are affected by the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan," said Vice President of GCI Business Sales Lori Davey. "Our colleagues at Catholic Social Services are providing critical services to help people transition into their new lives and GCI is grateful for the opportunity to do our small part. We look forward to welcoming our new neighbors into our communities with open arms."

"Phones and service are critical for new arrivals as they begin their new life here in Alaska," said Catholic Social Services CEO Lisa Aquino. "These evacuees need community connection to stay in touch with their case manager and connect with employers so that they can begin their new journey in Alaska, contributing to the vibrancy of our city through their work and all the gifts they bring."

RAIS provides a bridge for individuals who have had to flee their countries of origin due to the tragedies of persecution and war from their former life experiences, to the new skills required for success in the United States. Through a focus on economic self-sufficiency, community integration, and a respect for unique cultures, history and traditions, RAIS creates an environment of compassion and encouragement for refugees to flourish.

For more information, visit: https://www.cssalaska.org/our-programs/refugee-assistance-immigration-services/afghan-relief/.

About GCI

Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested more than $3 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 40 years and recently launched true standards-based 5G NR service in Anchorage, now the nation's northernmost 5G service area. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Broadband Corporation (Nasdaq: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP). Learn more about Liberty Broadband at http://www.libertybroadband.com.