This project is inspired by my own experience as a first-generation immigrant and the feeling of stepping into the unknown. Before my first day at a U.S. school, I didn’t know what to bring. No one in my family had ever studied in an American elementary school, and we didn’t even know who to ask. I remember being terrified of showing up with the wrong things. For me, it was just notebooks and pencils—but for many others, it can be much bigger essentials like food, water, electricity, or internet access.

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With ongoing conflicts around the world, California—one of the largest destinations for those seeking safety—is welcoming more immigrants and refugees than ever. While there are many detailed and supporting resources available online, focusing on different aspects of life, sometimes it leaves newcomers to piece things together on their own. Even for native English speakers, online research can feel overwhelming; for someone new to the country and the language, it can be nearly impossible.

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That’s why this project was created: to provide clear, step-by-step guides covering the essential parts of daily life. From finding food and healthcare to navigating education, legal aid, and other services, our goal is to make a one-stop resource that’s easy to understand. We also include the “small” details that are often overlooked—like where to buy groceries or how to find the nearest hospital—because those basics matter, too.

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