When we started the 48 dots, we had one simple vision: a world where people can roam freely, safely, and frequently. The war in Ukraine is a stark reminder that freedom and safety all over the world is constantly in jeopardy. It is a reminder that the fight for freedom and safety is constantly ongoing.

Our vision is closely paired with helping a decentralized worker such as a traveling nurse extend their stipend by saving in the cost of accommodations so that they can take on a remote job. Our vision is geared to help a retiree swap their home so they can extend their savings to see more of the world. Our vision incorporates voluntourism so that those with means can help local communities when they travel. Our vision, however, cannot come to life if hundreds of thousands of people are forced to flee their homes in fear of war.

It feels somewhat wrong to go about our daily lives and continue to build a product that assumes the basic right of a safe home as the starting point for a home swap when so many Ukrainians are now displaced as a result of this tragedy. However, if we, as a 48 dots team, use the skills that we know best to build something that we believe is truly meaningful in this world, we might also be called for help for a greater purpose when needed. Meanwhile, this blog post just serves to say we’re here to help when and where we can. We stand with the civilians in this tragic war. And, our thoughts are with those that need a home to sleep in.