The Human Connection

The Problem
636,017 people were homeless in the US at some point in 2011 17%, or 107,148 people, were chronically homeless

Empowering the Homeless with Social Networking and the Internet

The dierence between the people that just can't seem to get o the streets and those who come back into society quickly, is that the chronically homeless have lost touch with friends and family. After days, months, then years of isolation, they feel alienated, and lose hope.

The instability, loneliness and shame...made just staying sane from day to day, let alone keeping my will set on improving things, the hugest task I've ever faced. It's always bad if you lose your grip on hope and security, but if it happens when you're homeless... you're plain screwed.
-Commenter on Homelessness Forum

So, What?
With social media and the Internet, we are more connected than ever before. And with a huge community of formerly homeless and homeless supporters, there is a huge community of people that want to help the homeless.

With access to the Internet, nobody should lose their grip on hope and slip into permanent homelessness

Vision
Build a social network for the homeless A place to share their stories and oer support and advice, on both a local and national scale Enable homeless to obtain services themselves, letting social workers spend more time with those who need it most Enable homeless users and social workers to input local information on services available into easily accessible database
Aaron Squier aaron@aaronsquier.com 310.850.2138

The Human Connection

Casa Social Network
q
q Connect homeless people to each other through discussions and forums, and share personal stories, experiences in getting housing, tips for navigating services, and any other topics. w Provide quick access to information on local services, such as shelters, places to get a meal, and medical help e Provide more detailed information on navigating social services (e.g., getting food stamps, getting into housing, nding a job, nding legal advice) This information would be mainly populated by social workers in each community Present

Empowering the Homeless with Social Networking and the Internet

I'm homeless, Now what?

Find Shelter

Hear similar stories

Talk to Case Manager

Sign up for services

Sign up for services, housing

Talk to social worker about specics

Stumble through process

Stay connected

Try another shelter

Get Housing!

Fail

e
Start to lose hope

Aaron Squier aaron@aaronsquier.com 310.850.2138

Future

Try to nd way off streets

Join Casa Network