Reno uses AI to transform homeless data

The City of Reno in Nevada has released a new app that enables city staff to track and digitise case files of those residents who are unsheltered.

The DROPS app – Direct Resource Outreach & Placement Service – was made in collaboration with ServiceNow and NewRocket to assist outreach workers and provide them with the tools to more effectively support the unsheltered community.

“DROPS is a game-changer for our city,” said Hillary Schieve, Mayor of Reno. “By empowering our outreach team with this innovative technology, we are taking a major step forward in our efforts to tackle the challenge of homelessness. This app will help us make more informed decisions directly with the community we’re serving and ensure resources are provided when they are needed most.”

The app includes a range of features designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of outreach efforts including:

• Profile collection: Mobile entry of demographic data to improve shared knowledge enabling better insights.
• Encounter and journey tracking: DROPS allows workers to capture a history of interactions with each unsheltered neighbour, creating a consolidated, digital case file.
• Case and task management: Workers can tap into a catalogue of common actions and integrations with third-party services to deliver the right services at the right time.
• Reporting and analytics: Using AI, the solution can transform data collected by outreach workers into actionable insights, enabling better decision-making, and trend analysis. This information helps the city quantify its impact on homelessness and identify areas where additional support and funding are needed.

Dan Santangelo, Field CIO and Senior Principal Strategist from ServiceNow said: “This partnership aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem that connects vital resources and services to those in need. We proudly unveiled this solution at the US Conference of Mayors, where the urgency and commitment to addressing homelessness were clear in conversations with mayors nationwide.”

Image: Yulia Ryabokon | Dreamstime.com