Better Angels United, a nonprofit organization, is working on developing a series of apps aimed at improving shelter and services for homeless individuals. Their mobile-friendly prototype for outreach workers is the first step in this initiative, which will be followed by systems for shelter operators and a comprehensive shelter bed database that is currently lacking in Los Angeles County.
With more than 1 in 5 homeless individuals in the U.S. residing in Los Angeles County, the need for better tracking and coordination of services is evident. The current systems in place for tracking homeless individuals and available services are outdated, fragmented, and inefficient, resulting in a lack of accurate data and communication breakdowns.
One major issue is the lack of a comprehensive listing of shelter beds in the county, leading to confusion and missed opportunities for those in need. The data collected by caseworkers is often entered into various databases in an inconsistent manner, increasing the likelihood of errors and delays in accessing important information.
Despite being the home of Silicon Valley, Los Angeles has fallen behind in utilizing technology to address homelessness due to various challenges, including the complexity of the county’s government structure and the impact of the pandemic. However, Better Angels is working on a solution by creating user-friendly software that will be donated to participating groups in the county.
Through conducting extensive interviews and research, Better Angels has identified key gaps in the current system and aims to address them with their innovative apps. Despite facing resistance from some organizations and agencies, the nonprofit remains committed to creating a more efficient and comprehensive system for addressing homelessness in Los Angeles County.
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