Immigrant Buddies

When immigrants first arrive in the US, it's often a challenge for them to adjust to a new life smoothly and efficiently. Immigrant Buddies connects new immigrants with Buddies (local mentors and friends) who help them navigate resources and integrate into America. Any new immigrant can sign up for support, regardless of what they came for (refugee/asylum, work, school, family, business), and what type of Visa they hold. Buddies can be anyone who wants to support or befriend immigrants, whether they're a native-born American or an immigrant who has been here for a while. We operate immigrantbuddies.org, a peer-to-peer support web platform. Immigrants can find Buddies based on the areas of help they can offer, which include: finding employment, learning American culture, becoming friends, understanding healthcare, document assistance, transportation, financial aid, daily skills/living assistance, learning English, and others. Buddies will be able to find immigrants as well. The two sides can connect and message through the platform. The Immigrant Buddies platform is simple and accessible, without stringent requirements. There are safety mechanisms such as initial calls to verify profiles, with eventual technical processes such as background checks.