• Can a city solve homelessness with an app?
  • As cities deploy community-facing apps to alleviate homelessness, questions linger around who the tech is intended to benefit.
  • smartcitiesdive.com

Can a city solve homelessness with an app?

Is there a way to create and roll out apps that help, not harm, people experiencing homelessness? Experts say it depends on the effectiveness of the homeless services system, city resources, the way the apps are explained to communities and the working relationship of various stakeholders.

Apps allow community members to report encampments quickly and remotely, providing the ability to send a report directly to the corresponding city department. If someone experiencing homelessness is loitering at a local business or if they appear to need medical attention, all it takes is a few clicks to make the city aware.

But many questions remain about whether or not the apps are a “smart” solution to homelessness, or a waste of government money.