When I evangelize about careers, one of the mantras I have been using recently is, “New Year – New Job – New Life.” If only it was that simple for the 800,000+ individuals experiencing homelessness in the U.S. We’ll have a better idea on the number after the Point-in-Time count (PIT) that will take place in communities across the country over the next couple of weeks.
Most people are surprised when I tell them that around half the homeless population actually have a job. So much for just telling someone to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” No, someone who is homeless doesn’t simply just need to find a job.
What is needed are proven strategies to be replicated in more cities. Here are some of the best things on the technology front that I have researched to help end homelessness across the world (yeah…it’s not just an American problem):
Mobile Services and Outreach
Lava Mae (San Francisco, California) – This nonprofit transforms decommissioned city buses into mobile shower and hygiene units, serving thousands of homeless individuals. The model has inspired similar initiatives worldwide including Tulsa’s Beheard Movement.
Orange Sky Laundry (Australia) – A mobile laundry service for the homeless, providing clean clothes and a safe space for conversation. It has expanded to cities across Australia and New Zealand.
Technology-Driven Solutions
Samaritan App (Seattle, Washington) – An app that connects homeless individuals with donors and resources. Individuals receive Bluetooth-enabled “beacons” to share their stories and needs with nearby app users.
StreetLink (United Kingdom) – A platform that enables citizens to report homeless individuals in need of support to local services, ensuring rapid assistance. Housing Solutions Tulsa has a similar program.
WeShelter (New York City) – An app connecting homeless individuals with local services like shelters, food pantries, and health clinics. Users can also make micro-donations directly to homeless-serving organizations.
HelpSeeker (Canada) – A digital platform that maps thousands of social services across Canada, making it easy for homeless individuals to find housing, food, mental health support, and employment programs.
Miracle Messages (San Francisco) – A nonprofit helping reconnect homeless individuals with their families through social media and crowdfunding platforms. These connections often lead to financial and housing support.
ShelterApp – is an All-volunteer Non-Profit Organization whose mission is to help Homeless and low-income families connect to services and resources using web and mobile app platforms. It is available in numerous cities across the U.S.
Ask Izzy (Australia) allows users to enter their needs, and the system recommends relevant services (e.g., shelters, food banks, legal aid).
Outreach Grid (USA) allosw service providers, outreach workers, and law enforcement to coordinate in real time, updating information about available resources, client locations, and case histories.
Volunteer Apps like iVolunteer and GivePulse connect volunteers with homeless service providers, matching skills (e.g., medical expertise, tutoring) with needs.
Technology is not going to end homelessness but it can help individuals get connected to the services they desperately need. If you have come across an app or platform that is doing great work, please share it with me.