Immigrant Buddies

The immigrant population is rapidly increasing per year, and it's often a challenge for them to adjust to a new life smoothly and efficiently. Immigrant Buddies connects new immigrants with Buddies (local friends and mentors) 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 immigrant who has been here for a while. Currently, Immigrant Buddies is a manual program where immigrants and Buddies can sign up through www.immigrantbuddies.com. We will then facilitate connections and follow-up for support and feedback. Eventually, Immigrant Buddies will be a peer-to-peer support 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 product. The Immigrant Buddies platform will be simple and accessible, without stringent requirements. There will be safety mechanisms such as initial calls, background checks, and/or verified profiles.