Welcome to Refugee Assist

Empowering Refugees Through Technology

At Refugee Assist, we believe in leveraging technology to make the resettlement journey easier for refugees, asylees, those under Temporary Protected Status, parole, and other humanitarian admission to the US. Refugee Assist's chatbot provides real-time assistance and essential information to help navigate the complexities of starting anew in a foreign land.

Features

Always Online

Available 24/7, Refugee Assist ensures refugees can access advice whenever they need it.

Widely Accessible

Refugees can use Refugee Assist in over 15 different languages.

Personalized Responses

Gives culturally-sensitive answers that pertain specifically to a user’s demographics and location.

Our Impact

799

People Reached

2391

Questions Answered

23659

Words Translated

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Together, we can harness the power of technology to create positive change for refugees across the world.

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Our Mission

Refugee Assist empowers refugees and displaced individuals by leveraging technology to streamline their resettlement journeys. Using an AI-powered chatbot available 24/7 in over 18 languages, Refugee Assist provides personalized, culturally sensitive assistance.

The platform addresses vital needs like legal services, housing, employment, cultural integration, and mental health support, ensuring refugees receive accurate information tailored to their unique circumstances. Through technology, Refugee Assist aims to enhance the lives of refugees worldwide by making the complex process of resettlement more accessible and manageable.

Meet the Founder

Nayan Patel

Nayan is a passionate advocate for leveraging technology to empower marginalized communities, particularly refugees and asylees. His journey into humanitarian efforts began with an internship at the World Children's Initiative , where he continues to work with the team in developing surgical training videos for hospitals in Madagascar. His commitment to social impact led him to found Refugee Assist, where he developed the RefuGPT chatbot.

Driven by a vision of inclusive technology and social justice, Nayan continues to lead Refugee Assist in its mission to enhance refugee integration and support worldwide. When Nayan isn’t thinking about humanitarian AI work, he enjoys surfing, launching rockets, and building robots.

Get in touch to hear more about our story!




Collaborators


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Advocacy

Empowering Refugees, One Step at a Time

Engaging Local Governments

  • Collaborated on refugee-friendly legislation by providing real-time data and stories from refugees utilizing our AI chatbot, highlighting their needs and successes
  • Promoted legislation supporting refugee resettlement support including the USRAP which has been signed by 477 bipartisan state and local elected officials. Signed petition to be sent to President Biden to urge for continued support. (Welcomingrefugees2025.org)

Supporting Community-based Programs

  • Worked with Refugee Hope Partners and other local refugee centers
  • Facilitated quarterly cross-cultural exchanges at organized events where refugees and local residents came together to share experiences, building bridges of understanding and reducing cultural barriers
  • Presented at local job and resource fairs; empowered local advocates by providing training to community members on refugee issues, equipping them to become powerful voices for change Prominent presence during Welcoming Week 2024.

Collaborating with Policy Influencers

  • Engaged with local policy makers to expand the reach of Refugee Assist and present within committee meetings
    • Durham City/County Immigrant & Refugee Affairs Coordinator - Kokoyu Nayo
    • Office of the Governor, Cristina Espana
    • Collaborated with leading academic and legal experts in the filed of immigration, including Professor Deep Gulasekaram. In addition, Professor Kit Johnson, who promoted Refugee Assist on the well-known Law Professor Blog, continues to raise awareness and encourage refugee friendly legislation among legal professionals and thought leaders.

Engaging with International Policy

  • Met at the United Nations with global leaders and policy makers of use of big data and AI for improving refugee migration during 79th UNGA Scientific Sessions
  • Member of UN Youth Stimulus to Deliver Agenda (YSDA) which will outline what impact we plan to create with our projects individually and collaboratively with other delegates

Spotlight

Winner of Innovation Award

General Assembly of the United Nations

Featured in:


MY CAROLINA

Area Nonprofit Refugee Assist

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LAW PROFESSOR BLOGS NETWORK

Refugee-assist.com

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Sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Refugee Assist?

Refugee Assist is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting refugees during the critical phase of resettlement through artificial intelligence (AI). We have developed a chatbot that provides real-time assistance and information to help refugees navigate legal issues, housing, employment, cultural integration, and physical and mental health resources.

How does the Refugee Assist chatbot work?

The chatbot operates through a simple interface where refugees can type their queries or needs. Based on the information provided by the user, such as language preference, origin, and location, the chatbot delivers personalized responses and connects users with relevant resources and support services in their area.

What kind of assistance does Refugee Assist provide?

Refugee Assist can help educate on a range of subjects:

  • Local legal services.
  • Housing support and information on available accommodations.
  • Employment resources.
  • Cultural integration tips.
  • Mental health guidance.

Is the Refugee Assist chatbot available in multiple languages?

Yes, the chatbot supports 18+ different languages to ensure accessibility for refugees from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Currently, languages such as Arabic, Spanish, Ukrainian, and more are supported, with plans to expand language capabilities based on user needs and feedback.

How can I access the Refugee Assist chatbot?

You can access the Refugee Assist chatbot by clicking here.

What if I have specific questions or need personalized assistance not covered by the chatbot?

While the chatbot provides comprehensive support, each refugee's situation may be unique. If you have specific questions or need further assistance beyond what the chatbot offers, please reach out to local refugee agencies. Ask the chatbot to learn more about these agencies in your area.

How can I contribute to Refugee Assist's mission?

You can support Refugee Assist's mission in several ways:

  • Spread awareness about Refugee Assist among refugee communities and local organizations.
  • Volunteer your time or expertise to help enhance the chatbot's capabilities.
  • Partner with us to expand our reach and improve the quality of educational resources available to refugees worldwide.

How does Refugee Assist ensure cultural sensitivity and inclusivity?

Refugee Assist incorporates cultural understanding into its chatbot responses. We collaborate with cultural advisors and refugee communities to ensure that our information and assistance are respectful and mindful of diverse cultural backgrounds, minimizing miscommunication and establishing inclusivity.

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