Transcript CS410.1
Centralized Homeless Service System By: Keith Barth CS410 - Brunelle The Homeless Population The average age of a homeless person in the U.S. is nine years old. 1 in 5 homeless people in the U.S. have a mental disorder. 40% of America’s homeless population consists of Veterans of the Armed Forces. 25% of the 3.5 million Homeless Americans are employed. What is the Problem? Inefficiency of charitable service – Hours are not always conducive to work schedules – Organizations do not create sufficient opportunities for self betterment – Dissociated services can result in a poverty cycle Current Solutions • Serving hot food to the homeless • Donating old clothing • Passing out bagged lunch • Temporary housing programs Solving the Problem Centralized Service System – Database with homeless registry – Scheduled/Regular services provided through organizations – Electronic self-betterment clinics – Point rewards system – Convenient “homeless vending machines” Rewards System Execution Registrants receive reward points for active volunteering or participation in instructional program. Reward points credited to registrants account can be applied to vending kiosks or food lines. As participants become educated, successful and well fed, they are anxious to continue in the program. Point-Reward System • Motivation to be productive • Increase one’s likelihood to better themselves and/or their lives • Still provides basic services to those individuals incapable or disinterested in societal contribution and personal achievement Necessary Hardware • Fingerprint recognition devices • Server to host the database • Vending machines • Touch screen software or PCs Software Requirements • Interactive touch screen software for educational program. • Program that access and manipulates information from the database – Track point system – Monitor course completion and public service – Document demographic information Pros • Vending kiosks provide convenient access to food and information • Database tracks demographic information and records productive activity • Centralized services work together to meet all needs • Point system increases societal contribution but caters to mentally or physically incapable Cons • Database must be up and running at all times for vending kiosks, food lines, and point systems to work • High risk of computer illiteracy or even reading illiteracy • Not all homeless people will register • Government/Politicians might not want to endure the cost Conclusions • A feasible plan to aid in the elimination of homelessness • People Requirements: – Volunteers’ Time – Government’s Financial Commitment – Politicians’ Agreement of Merit Works Cited • Las Angeles Homeless Services Consortium. http://lahsc.org/wordpress/educate/statistics/unitedstates-homeless-statistics/ • Boland, Tom. “Ex-homeless person on Norfolk, VA Task Force on Homelessness.” The Virginian Pilot. 1998. • Messina, Debbie. “Norfolk officials say count shows fewer homeless.” The Virginian Pilot. 2007. • “Theory and reality on ending homelessness.” The Virginian Pilot. 2005. • Norfolk Homeless Consortium http://www.theplanningcouncil.org/norfolkhomeless.htm