Every minute counts when a disaster strikes. Last Mile Mobile Solutions, developed by World Vision and now being used by a dozen other organizations, is revolutionizing how survivors receive food, cash assistance, and relief supplies in their time of greatest need.

Last Mile Mobile Solutions was a key piece of World Vision's response to the Haiti Earthquake in 2010. Prior to 2008 when World Vision developed the software, those in need of emergency resources stood in long lines. Distributions were also susceptible to error and fraud. Now families receive help faster and with more dignity.

With this innovative software, aid workers quickly register beneficiaries and record their names, pictures, locations, and eligibility for assistance — all on a smartphone. Information is then transferred to a computer for verification and tracking. The same process that used to take four minutes now takes four seconds, shortening lines and getting essentials to families faster.

Photo ©2011 World Vision, Mary Kate MacIsaac