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Ezekiel Winger

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Harness social networks to help the homeless

I should say that I am not a good communicator, especially if it involves writing. So bare with me

My idea is to create a website and/or a mobile app that will allow users to log on to a mobile device or computer to look in there local area to either post a listing to shelter people that currently do not have a home or impact there lives in a meaningful way. This will also allow users on the other end of the spectrum to look in there current area for shelter and post about themselves and what they are looking for, whether it be food, shelter, work, ect.
Though you can take this idea quit a bit further I believe a simple design is more efficient, at least at first. Basically the goal is to take those with access to the internet a way to easily see the and affect the lives of the people near them in a positive way or to seek help from the community around them in a more individual and direct way.
This can be as simple in design as craigslist or more sophisticated so that it automatically directs would be helpers to your facebook or twitter so they can get to know who they might potentially help.
My hope is that in the near future helping people is as easy, and seamless as liking a picture on facebook or thumb upping a youtube video.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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    Don Wesley 50+

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    May 30 2012: I came to the capital city of Canada called Ottawa.
    I looked everywhere people sent me, only to go around in circles. That shelters existed for me, was a myth.
    I lived in my car for months, even in weather at minus 17 degrees Celsius. I was 78 years of age at the time.
    A few nights I was invited into someone's home. It took me months before someone with kindness and money paid for my stay in a local motel, where I stayed for the balance of the cold winter.
    Don [From the Silent Generation]

  • Tamia Luster

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    May 30 2012: yeah, i'd also add like a "homeless person library" for those without internet access. and backround checks couldnt hurt either. maybe tax refunds for those who participate in said website.
    and looking past the homeless, id love to be able use this myself. i wish there was a website where i could just put "will cut gras" and then someone near me would give me an offer and then i would ride down there on my bike, do the work, and come back with money. of course, that idea will need some safety precautions.....but its a good start it think.
    reaally like this idea!
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    Adrian Velazquez

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    May 30 2012: It's sad how even poverty and homelessness can be monetized and capitalized upon. The possibilities for this to be a success would be good if weren't such a risk to personal information. Should it be the decision of the individual's in question?

  • jenny g

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    May 29 2012: maybe i'm misunderstanding this idea... would it be made available at shelters so that people could walk in & check out what resources are available to them elsewhere, as well as at the shelter? could people access it at library computer labs? for homeless people w/o mobile devices (a lot, from my perspective), how would they access this system & how would its availability be promoted to them? how to teach people to use this system? i volunteer at a shelter & the majority of folks i see are illiterate, which i believe is much of the core reason they're homeless, in addition to the affective problems of lack of self-esteem, having given up on life, discouragement, disillusionment, depression & other psychiatric issues -- the ones i talk to are intimidated about filling out job applications, feeling "stupid" & "less than." a whole lot, too, are drunk/high, a problem endemic in american society across social strata, i think... too, where i volunteer, at an older building in an older part of town, wifi/internet was shut off because of poor connection. i know that other shelters in town are in similar physical setting... i know that some of you have posted from more progressive american cities. what about backwards, u.s.a., places like the one where i volunteer, where the shelter has good intentions, but lacks technical know-how? i mean, it would seem the shelter would be one of the places where availability of the suggested system would be made. don't mean to complain. it's a fine idea... just wonder how it realistically could be implemented, where square one would be. thank you!
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    Adrian Velazquez

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    May 27 2012: This actually sounds like a good idea, But will it turn into something like this? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2113959/Homeless-people-turned-walking-wi-fi-hotspots-2-15-minutes-SXSW.html

    • jenny g

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      May 29 2012: ... how gross. :(
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      Colleen Steen 500+

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      May 29 2012: I agree Adrian....it sounds like a good idea, and if we really think through it, posting personal information about vulnerable people on line opens up too many passibilities for abuse. I would rather see people go through well established organizations.
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    Harsh Bardhan

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    May 26 2012: Ezekiel Winger , I appreciate ur work. I am living in India and there is 15% people are homeless. First time i see such a great thought , working for homeless people. I think ur website should be areawise , Districtwise whatever U.S have geography.
    But every area page shows where Jobs are available . This should help great way. Also you meet all the community and NGO who is working ion this area. Connect area, People and Organisation in the triangle. Get a social page and spread all over internet .
    First you start in your area , bcoz you know everything. Good Luck Man....

  • Rhona Pavis 50+

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    May 26 2012: I wonder if it would make sense to hire homeless people to do jobs related to revitablizing the housing stock of inner cities or selected rural areas where there are currently high levels of not-used housing in a range of states of soundness. While working on repair, maintenance or improvement of any particular housing unit, that homeless person could be allocated some percentage of that house to use temporarily for up to three months maximum. I wonder if three months worth of salary would yield enough money for that homeless person to pay some amount of money as a down payment on a home or lease anywhere in the world. Happy Today to you and all you love.
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      Colleen Steen 500+

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      May 26 2012: Good idea Rhona...it makes a LOT of sense and there are programs available along that line...

      http://www.governing.com/idea-center/Hiring-the-Homeless-to-Build-Their-Own-Houses.html#.T8EPRgjvqyo.email

      • Rhona Pavis 50+

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        May 27 2012: We sure do have a lot of unoccupied housing stock, unemployed people and an increasing number of homeless people available to do this. So it is merely, supplies, money and program and project organiization and management that is needed. Oh, yeah.....political will. Could that possibly be a significant factor? People need to realize that they are better off when others are better off. There seems to be a football mentality that prevails wherein people mistakenly believe that there must be losers in order for some people to be winners. So, I guess all we need to do is drop that mindset and move on to actively use the cooperative, win-win models of thought and action. Thank you for your positivity. Happy Today.
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          Colleen Steen 500+

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          May 29 2012: You're right Rhona,
          We have lots of unoccupied housing, and lots of homeless people.
          We have lots of food in certain parts of our world (to the point of causing the challenge of obesity), and we have starving people in other parts of our world.

          I agree with you...it is a matter of organizing the supplies to match up with the needs. In my perception and experience, there is a very good networking system to match the homeless with needed shelter. I believe that to support existing organizations is the best choice at this time.
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    Robert Winner 50+

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    May 26 2012: Ezekiel, I beleive in a hand up but not a hand out. Most of us satisfy our social conscience by throwing money at the homeless problem. If we want to help the homeless lets dig in and do it right. Your idea of networking is great but lets take it to the next level. All of the shelters in podunk, USA should have a log in and list all of the occupants with a running total of the amount of days in shelters combined. Shelters should be on line with job providers / day work seekers, etc ... Able bodied people should be offered a opportunity to work. If they refuse to work then their stay should be limited and notice to all shelters issued. Identification should be a state issued ID (mandatory). Only the ID will be accepted. To continue the free feeding and shelter of those capable of working is enabling them to become beggers and freeloaders. To "earn" their keep is a necessary ingedient in restoring their dignity and re-introducing them into society.

    By doing this we can better provide for those who are truly needy and not just freeloading and eating up the assets needed for the destitute.

    The welfare generations need the same safe guards to stop generational welfare and restore them to the gainfully employed. Offer five jobs. Refuse all jobs and your benefits stop.

    I understand people want to help but do it right. There is no free lunch. The workers pay for these free rides. Stop those who refuse to work from stealing from those who are in need.

    I offer no appolgies for wanting to restore the work ethic and dignity in my fellow man.

    All the best. Bob
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      Colleen Steen 500+

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      May 26 2012: Good points Robert,
      The shelters in this area DO have log-ins, and because of the interconnecting systems, are also connected with job providers. I assume this may be true for other parts of the country as well. We are becoming more aware of "enabling" and I think there is an effort to support homeless folks in changing their life-style when/if possible. That is totally dependant on their willingness to take the steps necessary to change of course.

      Another thing shelters are doing more often is refusing access to people who are intoxicated or high on drugs. I totally agree that to encourage and support people to be more independant and self sufficient, is a greater gift to them AND society, rather than continuing to enable a lifestyle that is dependant.
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        Robert Winner 50+

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        May 26 2012: Thanks Colleen. I have not heard from you in a while I hope this finds you well. Bob
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          Colleen Steen 500+

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          May 29 2012: Thanks Bob...I am well...and sheltered in my home on this stormy night...I am grateful for shelter over my head, which many people in our world do not have.
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    Ezekiel Winger

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    May 23 2012: Thanks for the input, it is greatly appreciated. I have also been homeless before Don, that's why I believe this could really help people.

    Networking with the local shelter, foundations, and not profit organizations did not occur to me. Consolidating all of their information into one page, with an easy way to edit their information will allow them easily share their current status. Imagine being able to put in your zip code, or city/state the immediately get a page filled with list of every available help for you conceivable. Just Hover over the name of one of them and see a short description along with how many beds are available, when they are open, what service they provide, user reviews, contact info and more.

    Then there is the other part will be devoted to people who want to help directly and don't want to go through a foundation or charity. Just a list of people in your local area who are offering assistance, what they offer, how and when to contact ect...
    I also believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, because clawing your way out from complete homelessness is difficult to say they least. That is why I am thinking of a profile system for those who choice to use it. For instance a college kid who is getting kicked out of their dorm, or a single mom or dad who realizes they won't be able to pay rent next month could create a short profile with all volunteer information. Its cheaper and easier to help someone before they become truly destitute and people are more likely to help them if they know a little bit about them.

    Let me know what you think.
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      Colleen Steen 500+

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      May 26 2012: Yes Ezekiel, there is a pretty good networking system in most areas. Information is already consolidated, many times sharing current status. You CAN submit your city/state and immnediately get a page filled with listings with contact information and many of the organizations have 24hr. hotlines.

      Try googling "need shelter"..."need food"...and plug in the area:>) I highly recommend a person go through established organizations. Because of the existing network, if one organization cannot provide what a person is seeking, they can often help facilitate a connection with another organization that may be able to help. As a person who volunteered on hotlines for some of these organizations, I can assure you that there is a very interconnected network, with people eager to help those in need.

      Without oversight, of an established organization, there is too much room for abuse. I totally agree with you..."an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", and we need to be realistic about these situations.

      A predator can easily offer shelter under the guise of "helping", while actually drawing people to his/her residence. A person can easily gain access to a residence by saying s/he is in need of shelter. Without oversight, everyone is more vulnerable.

      For years, my home was a safe house for women fleeing abuse. People were sent to me from the community family center. Background/security checks were done on me, and intake information was done on the people coming to my home. One evening, a boyfriend of a women staying in my home came to get her, he was armed, and threatened to shoot both of us. I simply reminded him that the family center had his name, and if anything happened to me or the girlfriend, they would find him pretty quickly. Without oversight by an established organization, EVERYONE involved is more vulnerable.

      "Cheaper" is not an issue....these organizations are non-profit.
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    Chetan Somani

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    May 23 2012: Ezekiel
    good idea!!!
    you can make it more simpler by getting in contact with non-government organisations and several foundations which work towards the idea as mentioned by you!!
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    Colleen Steen 500+

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    May 23 2012: Ezekiel,
    It is a GREAT idea to help facilitate connections with people who need assistance.

    Most homeless people I've met, do not have access to a computer. That being said, there is often access available at the local library, coffee shops, etc.

    If you google "Seeking Shelter - (name the town/city)", all available shelter opportunities are listed.

    I have volunteered with the women and childrens shelter, family center, united way, SRS (children in state custody), etc. etc., and there is a very good networking system within these organizations, so a homeless person could connect with any social service organization and get needed information and/or assistance.

    Those who are homeless are often very vulnerable, so I would not recommend posting information about themselves on line. They can find food, shelter, work etc. by contacting any one of many organizations, rather than allowing themselves to be more vulnerable by posting information about themselves.

    Helping people IS very easy right now, by volunteering at various social services organizations, shelters, soup kitchens, etc. etc. The opportunities are unlimited.
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    Don Wesley 50+

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    May 23 2012: Keep in touch. I have been homeless
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