Essential Apps for the Unhoused and Their Advocates
- frankcostelli
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Homelessness encompasses a lack of security, support, and essential resources. In today's tech-driven world, smartphones offer a lifeline. Whether experiencing homelessness or seeking to assist others, mobile apps provide crucial connections to food, shelter, safety, and support. Here are 12 carefully selected free or low-cost apps, available on both Android and iOS, that are making a tangible impact.
Apps for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
1. Shelter App
Purpose: Connects users to nearby shelters, food banks, clinics, and support services.
AI-powered chatbot for personalized assistance
List and map views of services
Filters for LGBTQ+, youth, mental health, and other specific needs
An extensive directory including pet shelters, syringe exchange programs, and legal clinics
Shelter App uses an AI-powered chatbot to connect users with nearby shelters, food pantries, clinics, pet shelters, syringe exchange programs, and more. Its simple list and map features let users find the help they need fast, and it includes filters for diverse services, including those for LGBTQ+, youth, and mental health support.
2. OurCalling
Purpose: Provides a nationwide directory of services for the homeless.
Location-based search for shelters, food, and recovery services
In-app contact options for outreach
Emergency and spiritual support resources
OurCalling: instant access to shelters, food, medical, and emergency support nationwide, based on your location. A simple, pocket-sized tool for vital services and help when you need it most.
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3. Samaritan
Purpose: Helps unhoused individuals get financial and social support through digital storytelling and community donations.
Users share their stories and needs
Supporters donate or message directly
Personalized goals and encouragement
Samaritan connects people experiencing homelessness with financial and emotional support from community members. Individuals share their stories, outline their needs, and receive direct assistance, fostering empowerment and long-term stability.
4. Be My Eyes
Purpose: Connects blind and visually impaired users with sighted volunteers for live visual assistance.
Free, real-time video calls
Volunteers available worldwide
Specialized help from company partners
This app connects blind and visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers for help via live video. Whether it’s reading a sign or navigating a new area, Be My Eyes provides a human connection when it’s needed most.
5. PulsePoint Respond
Purpose: Alerts CPR-trained individuals to nearby cardiac emergencies so they can help before professionals arrive.
Real-time alerts from emergency dispatch
Map of AED locations
Community emergency response insights
Note: Effectiveness depends on local adoption by public safety agencies
PulsePoint alerts trained bystanders to nearby cardiac emergencies, though its effectiveness depends on whether local emergency services have adopted the system so they can begin CPR before first responders arrive. While not exclusive to the homeless, it enhances community safety for everyone, including the most vulnerable.
6. ShareTheMeal
Purpose: Enables users to donate meals through the United Nations World Food Programme.
Tap-to-donate meal system
Campaign tracking and impact stories
Monthly subscription options
ShareTheMeal lets users fund meals for people in need via the World Food Programme. With a simple tap, you can donate and make a difference—an especially meaningful tool for those in crisis who may benefit directly or indirectly.
7. 412 Food Rescue
Purpose: Connects volunteers with surplus food to deliver to nonprofits serving the food insecure.
Real-time food rescue alerts
GPS-based delivery routes
Gamified volunteer tracking
Note: Currently operates in specific regions such as Pittsburgh
This app tackles food insecurity by connecting volunteers with surplus food and currently operates in specific regions such as Pittsburgh and delivering it to shelters and organizations that serve the homeless. It helps ensure that good food goes to those who need it most.
Apps for Volunteers, Charities, and Government Workers
8. Show the Way
Purpose: Helps outreach workers track, support, and follow up with unhoused clients.
Location-aware case management
Real-time resource referrals
Client needs assessments
Show the Way is a mobile case management tool that enables outreach workers to locate and assist individuals experiencing homelessness. It offers real-time GPS tracking, needs assessments, and service documentation to improve outreach efficiency.
9. FEMA App
Purpose: Provides official alerts, emergency information, and disaster recovery resources.
Real-time weather and shelter updates
Emergency safety tips
Multilingual support
The FEMA app provides real-time alerts about natural disasters, shelter information, and emergency checklists. It’s a critical tool for crisis response teams working with vulnerable populations during disasters.
10. First Aid: American Red Cross
Purpose: Offers step-by-step instructions for responding to medical emergencies.
Offline access to guides
Videos and interactive quizzes
Content in English and Spanish
This app offers step-by-step medical guidance for common emergencies and works offline—ideal for street outreach teams and shelters. It covers everything from burns to overdoses in easy-to-follow formats.
11. Olio
Purpose: Connects neighbors and organizations to share surplus food and goods.
Post and request items nearby
Direct chat with donors or recipients
Reduce food waste
Olio connects neighbors to share surplus food and household items. It's particularly useful for organizations looking to redistribute donated food and for community members looking to reduce waste while helping others.
12. findhelp (formerly Aunt Bertha)
Purpose: Search for local social services by ZIP code and service category.
Search for food, housing, legal help, and more
Filter by free/low-cost services, eligibility, and other criteria
Referral and intake support
findhelp is a robust search engine for local support services, allowing users to filter based on eligibility, cost, and service type to enhance usability. Organizations and individuals can use it to locate food pantries, housing programs, job training, and mental health services—all tailored to a user’s zip code.
Conclusion
In a world where isolation can be devastating, these mobile apps offer lifelines. For individuals experiencing homelessness, they bring access to safety, food, shelter, and dignity. For the volunteers and professionals committed to helping, they provide tools to act faster and smarter. Technology can’t solve homelessness alone—but it can make hope, help, and humanity a little more accessible to those who need it most. Readers can get involved by downloading and sharing these apps, volunteering through connected platforms, or using them to support someone in their community who might be in need.
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