Hunter Homeless Connect (HHC) has launched an App Information Tile (AIT) to reach out to people in need, with vital homelessness and other support services.
The mobile AIT links residents to the information in the organisation’s popular community directory.
The tile can be sent direct to mobile phones or accessed via a QR code.
Compass Housing’s community relations manager Michelle Faithfull is the app project manager and a member of the HHC management committee.
She said the technology would help people access up-to-date information more easily and faster.
“I’m encouraging service providers and other businesses to display the QR code at their locations for people to scan,” she explained.
“They will then be able to find support for housing, food, health services, community centres, crisis and emergency assistance, disability services, employment and training, as well as Aboriginal, cultural, youth and migrant services.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting people at risk of, and those experiencing, homelessness.”
Ms Faithfull said the app – launched during Homelessness Week – was another way of connecting people after COVID-19 forced HHC to cancel its annual Hunter Homeless Connect Day.
“We’ve distributed 8,000 hard copies of our directory and it has been downloaded 1,500 times from the website this year, so we know there is a big community need for this information,” she added.
Services providers are being given access to the QR codes to display at their premises and the code is also on the HHC Facebook page.
Businesses or organisations wishing to display the QR poster or get the code should email info@hunterhomelessconnect.org.au
The directory can still be accessed via the HHC website at www.hunterhomelessconnect.org.au/community-services-directory/
HHC is also fundraising for the $3,000 to cover the app’s ongoing administration costs.
An anonymous donor has already contributed $1,500.
To support the fundraising campaign, visit www.hub.benojo.com (https://hub.benojo.com/campaigns/mobile-app-information-tile)
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
