What if your Goal is to change the world?

If you’re reading this blog, you’re someone who cares about social change. If you’re like the organizations we partner with,  you’re someone who thinks big and works hard.  You’re probably also slightly fascinated by technology and the doors it can open for you.  If so, you may enjoy this peek behind the scenes as CTARead More

Helping HSD in Santa Cruz “Bring Families Home” through data integration

Santa Cruz County Human Services Department (HSD) is using data integration to boost the impact of their program: “Bringing Families Home”.  By quickly identifying who needs assistance, they’ll connect low income families with state services. HSD also hopes to rapidly rehouse those who are homeless and to prevent those families on the edge from fallingRead More

Skid Row Housing Trust (Los Angeles)

“The Skid Row Housing Trust provides permanent supporting housing so that people who have experienced homelessness, prolonged extreme poverty, poor health, disabilities, mental illness and/or addiction can lead safe, stable lives in wellness.” The Trust offers more than 1800 homes to individuals who have experienced homelessness. The Trust provides integrated case management, mental health treatment,Read More

Considering Collaborating? Things to ask before you pair up.

No organization can end homelessness on its own. More and more, agencies are recognizing the need to collaborate.  It’s been shown that the more social service agencies coordinate, the more homeless and at-risk clients can access services and housing. It takes a team effort to change a life.  Luckily, these days you have access to open-source tools, data analytics, and other technological advancesRead More

Client-centric systems have better outcomes. Consider Coordinated Entry.

A centralized CARS (Coordinated Entry and Referral System) makes it possible for individuals and families to get the help they need no matter where they first encounter the system of care.    After filling out a survey, clients are directed to the services or housing intervention that best suits their needs.  No more multiple submissions of the same forms.  No more dishearteningRead More

The dangers of dirty data

High impact organizations understand the benefit of data analytics when it comes to fighting homelessness. When you’re able to analyze clean data, you can discover trends in your community and measure the impact your services have.  Most critically, sharing data visually makes it possible to share your results with donors, politicians and the public. But,Read More