At the heart of our mission lies the belief that GIS needs to be accessible to nonprofits far and wide. It isn’t mostly because of cost, skill and time constraints, and we try hard to break these barriers one by one. Here’s an example:
Mazí Housing’s Live Service Map
Navigating the challenges of seeking asylum in a new country is an overwhelming and often intentionally complicated process, adding to the personal trauma of leaving one’s home and country under desperate circumstances.
The team at Mazí Housing manages homes for asylum seekers, providing them with the essential foundation of safe housing upon which they can rebuild their lives. Beyond shelter, Mazí has been at the forefront of helping asylum seekers navigate the often convoluted systems of legal aid, healthcare, and employment, guiding them toward autonomy and stability.
The team partnered with us at North Arrow to create a live map of asylum seeker resources in Athens—a tool that not only highlights the organization’s impact but also serves as a vital resource hub for service seekers and other nonprofits alike. Check out the public map here!
Mapping available services across the city
The live map, that we built using ArcGIS Dashboards, has a double objective:
First, showcase the impact of the organization, by mapping services accessed by Mazí residents over the past year: These include legal aid, medical assistance, employment support, and administrative services that have been pivotal in their journey.
Second, allow additional non-profits and stakeholders to map their work and services, helping to create a comprehensive picture of asylum support services in Athens.
A simplistic data workflow for minimum resources
This collaboration really embodies our mission to bridge the gap between small nonprofits focused on grassroots work and advanced GIS tech. By simplifying the technical demands, we enable resource-constrained organizations like Mazí Housing to:
Access advanced mapping tools without significant financial, technical, or human resources.
Maintain their dataset with minimal effort.
Leverage the platform for communication, advocacy, and partnership-building.
The strength of the map lies in how easily the system is maintained. Mazí Housing manages their service data through a straightforward, protected Google Sheet. This dataset feeds directly into the map and dashboard, ensuring real-time updates without requiring Mazí to handle complex GIS software. This streamlined process drastically reduces costs, skill requirements, and time investment, empowering Mazí to focus on their core mission.
The Process: from Data to Dashboard
Here’s the super simple step-by-step process that gave birth to this map:
Data Collection: Mazí Housing compiled their list of resources and services into the Google Sheet, including details such as service types, locations, and accessibility.
Data Integration: we connected the Google Sheet to an ArcGIS Online map, creating a live data feed that updates automatically as the sheet is edited.
Map Design: We built the interactive map displaying service locations and categorized them by type, adding geospatial analysis like 15min walking distance buffer zones around subway stops.
Dashboard Creation: The dashboard was developed to include visual charts and metrics, showcasing both the breadth of available resources and Mazí’s impact.
Training & Handover: Mazí received training on how to update and manage the Google Sheet, ensuring their independence in maintaining the map.
Invitation to Support
Mazí Housing’s work is vital for many seeking to rebuild their life in Athens and beyond. They rely on community support to sustain and expand their efforts.
Please consider making a donation to their awesome team and contribute to their impactful mission. Click here to donate!
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