Stellar Development Foundation unveiled Stellar Aid Assist, a blockchain-based platform enabling organizations to distribute cash assistance to displaced people and vulnerable populations at scale. The system processes bulk payments via USDC and MoneyGram's global network, already deployed by UNHCR and International Rescue Committee in Ukraine.
Tori Samples from the Stellar Development Foundation presented Stellar Aid Assist, a blockchain solution addressing inefficiencies in humanitarian aid distribution. The platform allows organizations to send digital assets like USDC to recipients via SMS, who can then cash out through MoneyGram's 180+ country network. Key features include real-time payment tracking, 100% delivery certainty, and processing costs of one US cent per 10,000 transactions. The system achieves average delivery in 2.5 minutes from app download. Already deployed by UNHCR and International Rescue Committee for Ukraine assistance since December, the platform extends beyond emergencies to gig worker payments, government social programs, and pandemic relief. Built on the Stellar Disbursement Platform, it addresses the needs of over 100 million forcibly displaced people globally.
