'We know how they feel': Afghan refugee recounts escape from Kabul, shares support for Ukrainians

Afghanistan and the U.S. worked for 20 years to fight off the Taliban, but it all came to an end last summer.

"We lost everything we had or gained," said Sajjadi, a member of Afghanistan's military who fled to North Carolina. "We didn't expect that we would collapse in a matter of no time."

Sajjadi spoke to WRAL News only using his last name to protect his identity. He said he fled to North Carolina with only the clothes on his back after the Taliban took Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.

"We didn’t bring anything from Afghanistan. We just came with only clothing on my body and my family and just got out of the house, because we didn’t have time," he said.

Sajjadi and his family fled their home country fearful of what the Taliban would do if they stayed. Once he arrived in North Carolina, he and his family had to stay in a hotel for four months before the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants found him a permanent place to stay.

Afghan refugees watch as millions of Ukrainians flee war

Watching scenes on the news of Ukrainians hiding out from bombs and fleeing their homes brings to the surface difficult memories and emotions for Sajjadi.

"We know how harsh it is when a country is in a war and how people are desperate," he said. "We totally have sympathy toward Ukraine people and we know how they feel."

While Ukraine has just entered a war, Sajjadi emphasized his country saw combat for four decades.

"It is really hard to leave your motherland, the place where you lived since you were born," he said.

Sajjadi encouraged Ukrainians leaving their country to remember that it is going to be difficult, and it will take time to adapt to a new world. He is working on getting a driver's license and hopes to find work as a mechanic.

Federal government struggling to find enough housing for refugees

Omer Omer, North Carolina's field office director for the USCRI, said his agency is working with volunteers, churches, and community groups to prepare if the US allows refugees from Ukraine to resettle here.

Omer said housing is the biggest need in the Triangle — 35% of Afghans who fled to America are still living in extended stay hotels.

"For us as a community, we need to come together and help especially with housing," he said. "Housing is the biggest issue right now for us."

The agency is looking for more landlords willing to work with them.