Some 23 Afghan refugees arriving in London, Ont.

Some 23 refugees from Afghanistan are set to arrive in London by the end of the week.

The London Cross Cultural LearnerCentre (CCLC) told CBC News that as of Thursday, 23 refugees are expected, but that number could change.

The CCLC is one of the local agencies assisting with resettling the refugees, which include families and individuals,in the city. They're part of a national and provincial network of resettlement assistanceproviders and actas a hub that will connectrefugees with the supports and services they need.

"Our colleagues at the airportare working very hard now," saidValeriano Marochko, the CCLC's executive director.

"[The newcomers] first ...do some initial orientation, amedical exam, they gettheir first vaccine and all the paperwork ... and all the screening that is needed," he said. "We are just one local piece of the big puzzle."

Thousands of Afghans have been fleeing the country in fear of persecution underthe Taliban, whichswept to power in recent weeks.

"[What these refugees are going through], it's heartbreaking. They'releaving their home, their loved ones, their friends, their familya life behind. It'straumatizing," Marochko said

He added the CCLC will be working with partners in order to refer anyone who needs it toadequatemental health services, in addition to services for basic necessities as well as those for further community integration.

The Canadian government hadsaid it plannedto resettleabout 20,000 vulnerable Afghans, including women and children, as well as Afghan nationals who are now outside the country, but on Thursday officialssaid its effort to airlift those fleeingTaliban rule out of Afghanistan hadcome to an end. It's estimated Canada has helped to evacuate 3,700 people.

Marochko said they won't know if Thursday's announcement will have an impact on any ofthe 23 newcomers until after they arrive to the city.

In addition to partners who will help the newcomers with basic needs, the CCLC is also in communication with Afghan community leaders who are ready to offer their help.

He said Londoners wanting to help can do so by donating to the refugee health and housing funds set up by the CCLC. Marochko said the centre is always looking for volunteers as well.