Favela Brasil Xpress

For the more than 120,000 residents of Paraisópolis, one of São Paulo's largest communities, receiving a package, calling an ambulance, or simply having a formal address for registration purposes was a daily challenge. The complex and unofficial network of streets and alleys made locating homes an almost impossible task for delivery and emergency services. This reality, however, has begun to change drastically with the implementation of an innovative project that unites technology and local knowledge: the partnership between Google, with its Plus Codes, and Favela Brasil Xpress.

Favela Brasil Xpress, a logistics startup born within the community itself, was already working to overcome delivery barriers in the region. The partnership with Google amplified this mission by introducing Plus Codes as a free, open-source digital addressing solution. Each participating residence in the project received a plaque with a unique alphanumeric code – the Plus Code – which, when entered into Google Maps, points to the exact location of that house.

Paraisópolis was the first favela in Latin America to successfully test and validate the use of Plus Codes, becoming a benchmark for other communities. The successful experience has inspired institutions and peripheral territories in various regions of the country, which are now replicating the model as a tool for inclusion and social transformation.

Before the initiative, the lack of an official postal code (CEP) and standardized street names in much of Paraisópolis created an "invisible wall" that excluded residents from accessing basic services. Online purchases were frequently canceled, or even entire postal code areas were restricted, as carriers could not find the recipients. In emergency situations, precious minutes were lost as response teams tried to navigate the dense urban fabric.

"It was as if we didn't exist on the map," reports a resident of the community. "We had to arrange to meet the delivery person at a known landmark, which wasn't always practical or safe."

The project began by mapping thousands of homes in Paraisópolis, assigning each one a Plus Code. The Favela Brasil Xpress team, composed of residents who know every nook and cranny of the community, was fundamental to the success of the implementation. They not only installed the address plaques but also educated the population on how to use the new technology.

The integration of Plus Codes with the e-commerce platforms of major retail partners, such as Americanas, allowed residents to provide their digital address at the time of purchase, ensuring that the delivery would arrive directly at their door, handled by the delivery personnel of Favela Brasil Xpress.

The results of the project in Paraisópolis are a testament to the power of technology to promote social and economic inclusion:

• Thousands of Addresses Created: The project has already mapped and created digital addresses for thousands of families, providing them with a formal identity on the digital map.

• Delivery Efficiency: Favela Brasil Xpress reported a significant increase in the efficiency of its operations, with delivery personnel able to locate addresses quickly and accurately.

• Expanded Access: Residents now have easier access to online shopping, food delivery services, and other products, fostering local commerce and convenience.

• Safety and Citizenship: In medical or security emergencies, the ability to provide a precise location can save lives. Furthermore, having an official address is a fundamental step towards full citizenship, allowing for registration in public services and the opening of bank accounts.

The success of the partnership in Paraisópolis serves as an inspiring model of how collaboration between technology giants and grassroots initiatives can generate innovative and high-impact solutions for complex social challenges. The project not only put Paraisópolis on the map but also opened up a world of possibilities for its residents, proving that a simple code can be the key to a future with greater access and opportunities.