ESF-SI-2024-UA-01-0069

This project leverages Ireland’s network of host communities and Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) to create a scalable, technology-driven model for refugee integration.  

“Community Connect” has two elements: community engagement and technology-supported solutions. Both elements will be developed, monitored and evaluated by academic partners using qualitative and quantitative research, so real participation of community members and BOTPs is ensured, and progress and outcomes are measured by clear integration and human rights indicators. Sustainability and scaling will be enhanced by the presence of partners in two EU member states. 

Helping Irish Hosts (HIH) has spent two years successfully matching 2,550 Ukrainian BOTPs with 1,140 Irish hosts using its best-in-class matching model and person-centred approach. They consider individual needs from all perspectives – host and guest – to ensure empathetic integration and matches that sustain for 12 months or more.  

We will enhance our matching process by incorporating new data-driven inputs to focus on integration and making the process more scalable. With University College Dublin (UCD) and Pairity, the HIH personal approach will be supplemented by the iterative development of a secure, digital matching platform that allows us to scale and adapt for local authorities across Ireland and the EU, enhancing capacity for local integration teams. This technology allows us to create personalised matches while expanding our capacity to meet growing demand. 

The project involves host communities at every step. Community Coordinators and expert facilitators will empower BOTPs to find pathways within their new communities. Our community-first approach actively seeks input from local residents to identify their needs, such as childcare, transportation, and social engagement, and integrates these insights into the matching process. 

Funding: 698,950.00 Eur