Respitely is a full-stack & responsive web application that provides instant access to critical information, for those at risk of experiencing homelessness & food insecurity within Toronto & the GTA. Levreging the latest updates directly from the City of Toronto, users can easily identify nearby shelters and key information like occupancy, capacity, address, directions, capacity, accomodation type, service type, serviced population, and more. Respitely also tackles the issue of meal insecurity by dramatically simplifying drop-in meal schedules across the city. Users can view a daily timeline of all tracked meals happening that day and access real-time updates for nearby drop-in meals happening now or starting within the next two hours. Both shelters and drop-in meals are thoroughly mapped using unique markers, with essential information accessible with just a tap.
This app was built using React & Express.js, leveraging data from the City of Toronto's Daily Shelter & Overnight Service Occupancy & Capacity API.
- Latest Shelter Updates: Instant access to the most recent updates from shelters across the city, ensuring users have the latest information at their fingertips.
- Shelter Information & Map: Select an update to quickly access key shelter details, distance from user's current location, and location on a map with navigation support. highlighting key shelter details.
- Dynamic Filtering: Easily sort updates by tailoring to individual needs (ie. location, women, families, youth, referral required etc.)
- Daily Meal Timeline: Instant access to a timeline of today’s events.
- Real-Time Meal Tracker: A live & continuously updating tracker of free meals and drop-in service schedules, so users can effortlessly find nearby events happening right now or starting soon, and how to get there.
- Comprehensive Mapping: Detailed information shelters and drop-ins/meals, including location, directions, hours, website, and contact info and more.
- Fully Responsive: Designed to be compatible across all device sizes.
- Resources: Dedicated resource section for lesser-known gems.
- And more on the way!
Future implementations include account creation with share, save and favourite functionality, notifications, login portal for event organizers, and more.
Long term plans for Respitely inlcude researching data availability to determine if the application can be scaled up beyond Toronto, to service other major cities in Canada, and beyond.
All graphic designs in this project are original content generated by DALL-E, prompted by me. The Respitely·TO logo was created using Figma and is my own creative design. Both graphic designs and logos are intended for use in this project only.
The homelessness crisis is riddled with multifaceted challenges, one such obstacle is the access to timely and accurate shelter information. There's a lack of centralized, up-to-date resources for individuals in need, causing difficulties in finding suitable shelters, especially during urgent situations.
By seamlessly integrating modern design and functionality with an intuitive and reliable user experience, such an application holds the potential to revolutionize the way individuals experiencing homelessness access vital information. This platform aims to provide more than just basic information, but also a sense of security during times of intense vulnerability. The mission of our platform is to help bridge the gap between those in need and the resources available to them; to serve as a beacon of hope in addressing this pressing societal issue. While this platform will initially exist as an informational hub, it holds the potential to expand beyond this scope through various future implementations and features.
Check it out live! 🔗 www.respitely.org
