22NTC Session: Digital Inclusion
Tech for Housing Relief, During COVID and Beyond
Submitted by: Colleen Powers | Software for Good

Description

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people’s inability to pay rent, mortgage, and utilities loomed as a major concern. This skyrocketing need led the state of Minnesota to offer relief through the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program. The nonprofit HousingLink and tech firm Software for Good partnered with the state to build the software application, crafting a system to support people across Minnesota applying for more than $100 million in assistance. In this session, members of the team will talk about the quick-turnaround build and rollout, including working with the state and other partners, as well as improving the tool iteratively in response to feedback. They’ll also talk about their ongoing partnership using technology and design to make it easier for people to access affordable housing.

Session Type

30 minute session

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn about the impact and challenges of using tech to provide an emergency service
  • Gain insights into partnerships between nonprofits, government, and private companies
  • See an example of iteration — rolling out a tool quickly and making improvements in response to feedback

Target Audience

Leaders and technology staff thinking about how to make digital services accessible and inclusive, especially when rolling them out quickly.