Urban Refuge

Hello!

We are Urban Refuge, a student-led humanitarian tech initiative at Boston University. Through the intersections of technology, research, community collaboration, and our academic knowledge, Urban Refuge is dedicated to making aid and resources more accessible for displaced and underserved communities in the Boston area. Simply put, we are putting aid on the map. By combining our knowledge in migration with technology, we were able to create an interactive user-centered website where we map essential social services such as the following: education, housing, legal aid, medical aid , and more. Because of our innovative approach, Urban Refuge was awarded the 2025 APSIA Inclusion Award for Community Building, recognizing how we have transformed academic knowledge and insight into technology-driven humanitarian impact.

This year Urban Refuge is fully focused on the official launch of our platform in the 2025 to 2026 academic year. Your support will not only allow us to finalize and launch our interactive website ensuring that displaced and underserved communities of Boston are supported but will also help us maintain and expand the platform all while growing our partnerships with local organizations.

What originated as a classroom project has blossomed into a powerful, collaborative, and user-friendly platform that maps verified social services across the world, bridging information gaps and accessibility issues. Our website seeks to connect individuals seeking aid, support, and stability to critical resources and facilities through an interactive digital map. To scale impact while driving awareness and change, our team frequently partners with NGOs, government agencies, and community organizations. However, these efforts are often costly. Every dollar adds trusted support services for those in need, rebuilding their lives with meaningful support and empowerment. With your generous donations, we can turn displacement into direction towards a more connected and equitable future.