App/tech business of the week- Home for Now

What?

Home for Now (H4N), is a web app that provides live listings of available crisis and transitional accommodation on any given night. Young people can find accommodation matching their need and circumstances online, and can be linked directly to the service provider, requesting a call, rather than having to make multiple phone calls. It supplements the existing phone-help systems, which can be difficult to reach when busy and do not always have the most current information.

Where?

Users can explore the platform at www.homefornow.org.au, though the app will enter testing in accommodation services soon. 

Who?

The concept came from the innovation team at Anglicare WA, which was keen to resolve what can be a difficult experience for homeless young people – the problem of inaccurate listings and an ineffective central point for sourcing information. Through the support of UWA’s Innovation Quarter, Anglicare WA approached Coders for Causes, a club of student developers keen to utilise their technology skills for the development of social good. Assistance was also given by emerging freelancers within the graphic design community.  

Quotations

“While these helplines do their best, it’s high time for a digital solution with faster access to information, and Home For Now is our innovative response to this need,” Anglicare chief executive Ian Carter said.

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Coders for Causes provided more than 1,000 hours of pro-bono expertise. Initial publicity on social media has shown interest in its potential expansion to the adult homelessness system, and interstate.