IRC Connect
Streamlining communication between resettlement caseworkers and newly arrived refugees
In partnership with Twilio.org, Airbel is developing an SMS-based system to streamline communication between caseworkers and newly-settled refugees as they adapt to their new lives in the United States.
From the moment refugees arrive in the United States, they have an overwhelming amount of paperwork, appointments, and deadlines they must keep track of in addition to adapting to a new cultural and physical environment. To assist them through this period, the IRC has a team of dedicated caseworkers.
To simplify this process and reduce strains on time and resources for both the caseworker and resettled refugees, Airbel — with the support of Twilio.org — is developing an SMS-based system that will serve as a single platform for all caseworker and client communications. Alleviating stress, lost time, and lowering the likelihood of miscommunication, this new tool further empowers caseworkers and improves the refugees’ experience of settling into their new home country.
Project Timeline
Pilot expands to six US resettlement offices
Pilot begins in Wichita, Tucson, Dallas, Seattle, Tallahassee, and New Jersey. The aim is to reach over 100 users across the U.S. and conduct an evaluation to show improvements in resettlement outcomes for both clients and caseworkers.
ResourcePilot begins in Atlanta resettlement office
Piloting began to user test the platform, collect data and evaluate its performance. However, low refugee arrivals nationally, and a moratorium in Atlanta due to a lowering of the annual refugee ceiling for 2019 meant that the solution couldn’t be tested with enough cases. Some software issues identified.