Capitalizing on local resources to Increase Local Food and Disaster response in individual community

Submitted By: Help me, Help You
Date Opened:
September 26, 2014
Date Closed:
October 11, 2014

This proposal is not just about the large disaster but managing day to day emergencies and needs in a local community. This app would be for a tornado, as well as an economic downturn or even seasonal shifts. It utilizes organizations that already exist in the community: a food bank, a Christian ministry that helps with bills and immediate needs. The resources of food, clothing, volunteers can fluctuate throughout the year. But each organization has a list of people and businesses that have contributed in the past. These past contributors and businesses would be notified by this app when an urgent need arises. For example, a tornado hits; the local food shelter should be able to respond immediately, but depending on the community and organization, getting resources and volunteers mobilized could take time. Churches could also respond but again are not able to potentially get all the pieces together. But for an app to be successful it needs to be used all the time. So if this can be used to manage seasonal, monthly and even weekly needs as well, it will allow for a faster response time when it really counts. So, for example, it could jump in to manage the larger needs around Christmas and other holidays, or when it gets colder outside and there is a greater need to blankets and coats. I am currently attending South Iredell High School in the IB program. This website and app is for my personal project. I have a passion for community service. I see times when the local food shelters have shortages and needs that can cause delays in even small emergencies. It has been 25 years since Hurricane Hugo hit this area but seeing the pictures in the newspapers has made it clear to me that my community and communities around my state and country need to be able to adapt faster to the changing needs around them. The big pieces are there already. I want to link them with efficient and effective communication. My name is Ty Youngblood and I am hoping that you can help me to grow the capacity and strength of my community organizations. To provide an app that will give them greater communication at times of need. Thank you in advance for your consideration.