This June, TextIt had the chance to join an inspiring event shaping the future of tech in refugee resettlement. Confluence 2025 hosted by Switchboard, brought together over 100 refugee service providers, technologists, government partners, and researchers at Civic Hall in New York City. Over two days, participants dug into what’s already working in refugee resettlement—and how ethical, affordable tech (including AI) can help expand access, especially for newcomers who live beyond the reach of traditional services.
The event focused on the ideas that tech should be ethical and sustainable, scalable, and all presenters agreed – Personal.
Attendees explored real tools, and shared practical ways to use everyday tech to close resource gaps. Through workshops, panels, and hands-on discussions, the event highlighted how both simple tools and emerging technologies like AI and VR can help improve services for newcomers.
One of the tools featured at Confluence was TextIt, represented by our client David Jones II. David partnered with TextIt to create FlowAmigo, a platform designed to keep communities connected through accessible, low-code technology. He shared how FlowAmigo powers his Summer Program in Chicago—a hands-on initiative for low-resource youth that teaches skills like human-centered design, community organizing, environmental justice, no-code/low-code tools, and participatory research.
While FlowAmigo wasn’t built specifically for refugee resettlement, David spotlighted it as a powerful example of how platforms like TextIt can reach underserved populations—and how similar tools could be adapted to support newcomers across diverse contexts. During the keynote Q&A, David Jones shared a powerful example of how TextIt was used in a real crisis. After Hurricane Ida devastated New Orleans in 2021, he quickly built a simple system with TextIt to connect people in need of relief with volunteers and mutual aid organizations across the country. Despite no prior experience, they managed to route tens of thousands of requests for supplies like food, tarps, and ice—directly reaching those forced to resettle by the storm.
TextIt allows users to connect in an “à la carte way” through what David calls “human automation,” giving the ability to trace and understand where each message or request comes from. This flexibility can be key to adapting quickly and meeting urgent needs.
David emphasized a bigger challenge we face today: how to advance human dignity and empower people to see themselves as self-determined, active participants in the solutions that affect their lives. Building adaptable, responsive systems is essential to making that vision a reality.
At the Technology Playground during Confluence, participants got hands-on experience testing out innovative tools. Above, David Jones II showcases his TextIt-powered platform, FlowAmigo.
The Takeaway? The future of resettlement won’t be shaped by a single tool or program—it will come from collaboration, sharing what works, and building systems that leave no one behind. Confluence was a step in that direction, and TextIt was honored to be part of the conversation. Supporting vulnerable communities is at the heart of what we do.
See the whole session and David’s complete presentation here.