Haven

Inspiration

Each year, between 20 million and 30 million people are displaced globally due to natural disasters. Haven was inspired by the growing number of natural disasters and the need for fast, organized, and efficient support systems. We wanted to build a solution that quickly connects people to the help they need, whether it’s finding a place to stay or securing vital goods.

What it does

Haven allows nonprofits and individuals in need to request goods and find temporary shelters. It also provides opportunities for users to donate goods or offer temporary shelter to those affected. For those seeking help, the app displays available shelters on a map, and it provides an easy way to request supplies. Haven doesn’t just provide relief; it fosters community action and helps people stay prepared for emergencies.

How we built it

• React
• Next.js
• Python
• Flask
• SQLite
• Google Maps API
• Google Gemini API
• News API

Challenges we ran into

Balancing privacy for hosts while making general locations visible to evacuees was a challenge. We also worked hard to implement authentication and verification for both hosts and nonprofits, ensuring the safety and reliability of every interaction on the platform.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re proud of creating a platform that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The straightforward, user-friendly interface ensures that anyone—whether offering or requesting aid—can navigate the app without hassle. We also built in privacy safeguards, enabling users to feel confident and secure while helping others.

What we learned

We learned how important simplicity and polish is when designing technology that serves people in crisis. When someone has recently gone through a life-altering event, the less friction in receiving aid the better. The importance of privacy and speed became clear as we built out Haven and received feedback from the many other hackers and sponsors at ShellHacks.

What's next for Haven

We’re looking to expand Haven by partnering with local governments and corporations to incentivize participation. While hosts and donors can still choose to give out of the goodness of their hearts, they will also have the option to be compensated for their service by organizations committed to making a difference.