RefAid, an app for refugees arriving in Europe

admin on 17 July 2018

Application aimed at migrants and refugees arriving in Europe every day so they can identify the services they can access

RefAid is a mobile application that shows migrants, refugees, and accompanying social workers which nearby services they can access, on a map with a simple interface.

The platform ensures that the information and location of the users is completely confidential, it is not stored, and it is not shared with any authority or police force.

The organizations that appear on the map are trustworthy and verified. The search includes filters for themes such as food, shelter, bathrooms, and information.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Fully inclusive cities, Immigration, Lab, Link with the community, New service, New technological tool, Process simplification, Self-management and participation, User empowerment

Location

United States

Partners / Funders:

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Genesis

RefAid was created in September 2015 by entrepreneur Shelley Taylor, after seeing the shocking image of the body of a three-year-old Syrian child drowned on the coast of Ali Hoca Buruna (Turkey). In this context, Taylor developed the application in just one weekend.

Implementation level

RefAid is being used in 50 countries by 8,000 non-profit organizations, aid organizations, and governmental entities. A large number of leading organizations in the care of migrants and refugees use the application. For example, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, Caritas, and the Red Cross.

Further information

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Intersocial, common vocabulary system in the social sphere

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