CTDnyc 1.1

Connect The Dots NYC was established following a series of interviews with individuals experiencing homelessness. These conversations revealed a significant gap in awareness regarding nearby resources that could provide essential support. Leveraging this insight alongside the ubiquity of iPhones, the concept of this app emerged. Its primary objective is to empower individuals—both those who are homeless and those who are not—to access and share vital information about available assistance.

The app aims to enhance awareness of local resources for those in need while allowing users to decide how to utilize this information to their advantage. Our mission focuses on enabling New Yorkers to support one another in times of need. To facilitate this, the app is designed with user-friendliness in mind, requiring no registration, payment, or collection of personally identifiable information. We only request users' location data to identify the nearest resources, and even then, this information is not stored.

For instance, a user can open the app and select a service that best fits their immediate needs—whether for themselves or someone else. The app then identifies the closest facility and presents relevant information such as operating hours, distance, estimated travel time, and any other pertinent details specific to the location. With this knowledge at hand, users can make informed decisions about whether to pursue the available assistance. At its core, Connect The Dots NYC effectively bridges the gap between New Yorkers in need and the multitude of supportive resources within the community.