Description:
"Shelter Finder" is a student-developed website that aids first responders and emergency services in connecting the homeless population in the US to open beds in nearby shelters. The online service was developed in Davis, California (US) by Citrus Circus, the local high school robotics team, in collaboration with the police. It is designed to make it easier to find a free, suitable place in a shelter. The shelter can post available places in real-time. The number of places can be specified, differentiated by gender, and an option for families. First responders, but also normal citizens can find the shelter on a map with the number of available beds, contact information, and a description of the shelter.
The solution could help to address the following needs of first responders and authorities:
Improve autonomy, coping abilities, and proactiveness of citizens