ServiceSPOTTER is an interactive technology solution in the form of a free iOS mobile app available on the Apple iOS store. The app has been independently developed by Arushi Sharma, a 16-year-old, Senior at James Bowie High School, Austin, TX.
The app aims to assist the homeless and low-income community to connect with the service providers for food, clothing, shelter, and health care.
See YouTube Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJgrAwpKOPA
What does ServiceSPOTTER App Provide?
A cost-effective and interactive technology-driven solution through a free iOS Mobile App, that could be scaled based on the availability of information and resources
a) Find: Details of Service Providers (including hours, contact details, etc.)
b) Connect: Get directions to Service Providers (Map location from where you are)
c) Assist: Community Volunteers, Service Providers, and Users can assist
Key Features of ServiceSPOTTER App:
a) It has comprehensive details of 60+ service providers (e.g., hours of operation, phone#, link to website, etc.) for key categories of services i.e., food, clothing, shelter, and health care.
b) The users can like or add comments for the service providers. Based on the likes the service providers could be ranked.
c) You can explore map directions for the service provider from your current location.
d) An interactive AI-based Chatbot “Spotty” can answer any questions about the services available by category.
e) The helpline phone numbers are available to call in case of need.
f) The community volunteers can submit requests to assist the service providers.
g) You can ask questions from the forum about service providers
h) Any missing information about the service providers could be provided
i) You can create your login account with a password, or you could access the site as a guest user (some users may not wish to provide their details)
j) You can share your suggestions for adding any missing service provider
k) Detailed instructions to use
l) Well defined Terms and Conditions for use of the app and
m) Privacy Policy
Who can use ServiceSPOTTER:
This app could be used by the Homeless and Low-Income Communities, local service providers, who support the homeless and low-income, and community volunteers, and City of Austin Divisions who can assist to help the people in need to access the resources by using the App.
Key Statistics:
-Over 8000 lines of Codes were completed over countless nights
-iOS App approved by Apple iOS store and available for download
-In the last few months, the app has already been downloaded by over 1100 users and over 5,600 locations have been accessed.
-5-star rating on the Apple iOS App store
-Positive reviews from the Users, Community, Austin City Council Members, and the Homeless Division of the City of Austin