19-Year-Old, Avi Schiffmann, Is Helping Ukrainian Refugees Find Shelter Through His Website
If this name is familiar you may also know Schiffmann as the teenager who created the covid tracking website. Schiffmann's website was a critical resource for people across the world looking to stay informed about the pandemic. Now, Schiffmann is using his skills to help those affected by another global crisis: the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukraine Take Shelter
Schiffmann created a website called "https://www.ukrainetakeshelter.com/" which helps to connect Ukrainian refugees with potential hosts and housing. This website works similarly to a public bulletin where anyone with spare space can post a listing to take in refugees.
The website works by having refugees enter the location where they currently need shelter. The website then generates a list of nearby host families who have space and are willing to help. These listings include how many people can be taken in by the host family, whether the listing is kid friendly, the languages the hosts speak and more. To keep everyone safe both refugees and hosts have to provide a government issued ID card or passport as well as taking down listings that have been reported as malicious.
With over 1.5 million people displaced by the conflict in Ukraine, any help is appreciated. Since the website's launch, more than 20,000 prospective hosts have signed up and the site has helped thousands of refugees find a place to stay. The 19-year-old's efforts are a shining example of how young people are using their skills and platforms to make a difference in the world.
Avi Schiffmann talking to Good Morning America about ‘Ukraine Take Shelter’. Credit: Good Morning America
What is happening in Ukraine?
In 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Putin's original goal was to take over the nation's capital, Kiev, overrunning Ukraine and deposing its government. However after a month of failures Putin is now invading Ukraine's east and south.
As of 5 May, the UN estimates more than 5.7 million people have fled Ukraine. Many of these refugees are children who have been forced to leave everything they know behind. The United Nations and other organizations are working to help these refugees, they need all the help they can get.
Many neighbouring countries are taking in refugees from Ukraine. As of 5 May the UN estimates:
Poland has taken in 3,143,550 refugees
Romania has taken in 856,941 refugees
Russia has taken in 727,712 refugees
Hungary has taken in 551,010 refugees
Moldova has taken in 452,038 refugees
Slovakia has taken in391,592 refugees
Belarus has taken in 26,149 refugees
Ways you can help those in Ukraine
If you're looking for ways to help those affected by the conflict in Ukraine, consider donating to one of the many organizations working to provide relief. You can also read our article on how social media is helping the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and ways you can help online. Listed below are some organizations working to provide relief to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine:
Avi Schiffmann is just 19 years old, but he's using his website to help refugees find shelter. If you're looking for a way to help out, you can sign up to take in refugees on his site or donate to one of the charities listed above. Please share this article so that more people become aware of the ways they can help. Thank you for your support!