The problem we are addressing
The COVID19 pandemic has put many parts of the world in lockdown. Social distancing and self-isolation have put a strain on communities and individuals as well.
To stay safe, those isolating themselves need a secure, simple way of reaching organizations and volunteers that could help them with their everyday needs. Right now, many NGOs (such as the Red Cross) are overwhelmed with messages from those most at risk. Even the simplest activities like going to the grocery store or the pharmacy could endanger them, yet keeping track of requests and volunteers takes time and effort that isn’t available.
Our answer to the problem
We are creating a digital safe space where the at risk-population can ask for assistance from both individuals and organizations. The application will let users communicate on the essential matters, tracking completed requests, and reducing the workload of many.
As digital makers, we are happy to join the growing trend of businesses and organizations switching to online work. We created the Community Heroes application to be easy-to-use by all levels of technical skill. It will be available in the local language.
Our application provides for three different types of users:
- NGOs and volunteers
- Individuals in the community that want to help and
- The at-risk population
What we did during the hackathon
- Started with iOS prototype
- Continued development of iOS application
- Created Android application
- Created project presentation
- Developed landing page
- Added branding
- Developed a Business Model Canvas
- Technical Details
- The Community Heroes platform consists of a native iOS application, Android hybrid application, and a mobile Web application.
The backend infrastructure is based on Firebase, Firestore, and Cloud Functions.
Our impact on the crisis
Businesses are moving online; work from home is becoming a new normal. Unfortunately, not all parts of daily life could move online that easily.
We, as a society, are faced with enormous pressure on the logistics of delivery and remote services. We are bringing volunteers to help ease the strain on people to people interactions for daily needs. With our platform, supporting those that are in isolation will be made quicker, more comfortable, and more reliable. We aim to reduce the strain on organizations and individuals already overwhelmed by the pressure of the crisis.
Necessities to continue the project
Our project has a minimal cost for maintenance, but it needs a strong user base that will keep things running. For that reason, we are calling for partners, both commercial and non-commercial, to join us and help this application reach its full potential.
The value we bring after the crisis
Kindness and support to those around you should be a standard part of everyday life. Once this crisis is over, this kindness will hopefully be one of the things that remain.
In a world where urban loneliness is common, and communities tend to fluctuate, it is vital to introduce a means of connecting with those (geographically) close to you. Furthermore, it’s not just isolation that keeps people inside - whether because of old age, disability, or health concerns, many will remain after this period that will need to use this application. For their sake, let’s not let it disappear.
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