BridgePGH
BridgePGH is a user-friendly platform modeled after map apps. It is designed to facilitate access to a wide range of resources tailored to individual needs and demographics, providing benefits to individuals experiencing homelessness. The app offers the ability to sort and locate resources based on specific situations and aims to significantly improve the ease and efficiency of accessing essential support services.
01
Problem Statement
The homeless population in the city has increased by 24% from 2022 to 2023. Unfortunately, a major shelter downtown has been shut down, which has led to the homeless population struggling to find assistance and resources. Getting a shelter bed, food, clothing, and other resources can be difficult and time-consuming, requiring the navigation of transportation and availability of resources. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a more efficient and streamlined way for the homeless population to access information and resources.
02
Solution
Collect comprehensive information about the resources available for the unhoused population in various locations across the city. Use this data to develop a user-friendly application that resembles popular map-based apps. The app will enable users to access the necessary resources and information.
03
The Journey
Solving homelessness is not a job for an app alone. This app does not claim to solve this massive country-wide issue. What it does claim to do, is make people's lives a little easier by streamlining a process.
Every city has those spots. Where tent cities pop up and the countless street corners where panhandlers earn some money. This is where the research began. Using cigarettes and Jolly Ranchers as currency, I set out to see if anyone would share their story. In the end, 35 individuals were willing to talk to me. The data from those conversations is as follows:
75% state that information on different resource platforms is not updated or reliable.
48% state it is not feasible to travel to resource locations without knowing if anything will be available when they arrive.
34% found it difficult to locate resources close to their geographic location within the city.
Next Steps
Collect and verify resource information, ensuring the details are correct and current. Take proactive steps to conduct additional user testing, ensuring all the user pain points are thoroughly validated. Moreover, improve user engagement by implementing a community rating system that empowers users to share valuable insights and feedback about the available resources.
04
Result
The product offers a seamless solution for the unhoused, simplifying the resource search through a user-friendly interface akin to popular map applications. With the familiarity of this interface, users can efficiently pinpoint resources tailored to their demographic and access navigation details, contributing significantly to their empowerment and self-sufficiency.
Valuable insight was gained through the thorough research and in-depth interview process. It became evident that many of us harbor preconceived notions about individuals experiencing homelessness. Without the invaluable input from this population, it is clear that any product or solution developed would not effectively address the complex challenges they face.