Hack 4 Sac
Hackathon - Sacramento CountyThe Challenge
In 2016, Sacramento County hosted the first-ever Hack4Sac, a unique 6-week civic-tech challenge designed to engage the community and bridge the gap between residents and those with IT and design skills. This wasn’t your typical hackathon! Here, the focus was on creating real-world solutions that could make a lasting impact on the community.
The challenge addressed critical issues like connecting organizations with surplus equipment they could donate, improving accessibility at polling places, and most important to me, providing a location-based resource guide for Sacramento’s unhoused community.
The Solutions
As a Human-Centered designer, I was drawn to the challenge of improving resource access for Sacramento’s unhoused population. Partnering with a talented team, we developed SacSOS – a mobile-friendly website and companion app designed to connect people experiencing homelessness with the critical services they need.
SacSOS goes beyond the typical resource guide. Utilizing an open-source API, we built a comprehensive database featuring essential services like mental health resources, medical care, shelter options, and food assistance programs. The mobile app leverages geolocation to help users find the nearest resources, while the desktop website allows for printing up-to-date “street sheets” for those without consistent internet access.
But SacSOS is more than just a directory. We incorporated a unique user review feature specifically designed to empower users. By sharing their experiences, users can help others find the services that best meet their needs, while also creating a positive feedback loop that encourages service providers to maintain high-quality care.
The user-centered approach, informed by in-depth interviews with members of the unhoused community, ensured that SacSOS is not only informative but also easy and delightful to use. Our dedication to this project paid off – SacSOS won both first place and the Audience Choice Award at Hack4Sac. More importantly, it has the potential to empower Sacramento’s most vulnerable residents and help them access the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Insights
While some restaurants accept CalFresh for prepared meals as part of a special program for unhoused individuals, this option isn’t universally available. Availability can vary even within the same chain.
Paper “Street Sheets,” a common resource for the unhoused community, frequently lack up-to-date information, creating a barrier to accessing critical services.
While many unhoused people have smartphones, they are dependent on wifi for reception/service.
Limited transportation and outdated resource guides often lead to long, frustrating journeys to services that may not be accessible or treat clients with a lack of dignity.
Prototypes
SacSOS – Mobile Site
Mobile access eliminates outdated “Street Sheets” ensuring users find accurate service details.
User reviews create a community-driven feedback loop, highlighting reliable and supportive services, and allowing users to find services that prioritize respectful treatment.
Location-based search allows users to find resources closest to them, minimizing travel time and frustration.
SacSOS – Desktop Site
A user-friendly format allows the creation of clear, easy-to-read “Street Sheets”. Agencies and libraries can print updated resources on-demand, ensuring accessibility for all.
Prioritized resources critical to unhoused individuals are front-and-center, saving valuable time and frustration.
Essential information is prioritized on the front page, eliminating the need for complex navigation.