When the VA put out a call for apps last March to help homeless vets, Qbase SVP Gary Sofo and healthcare VP Josh Temkin knew their Reston, Va.-based employer could help. During their off time, they used Qbase's data tech tools to build a mobile app that lets people who work with the homeless find nearby shelters, soup kitchens, healthcare facilities, and more. The nationwide app can also set up push text alerts to caregivers when a bed becomes available at a nearby shelter. Qbase's Homeless REACH app won the challenge put out by VA, HUD, and HHS, along with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. (Mr. Bon Jovi really wanted us to interview him, but we insisted on speaking with Gary and Josh.)
The app usesQbase's data tools and its MetaCarta geographic search tech, traditionally used by their intel and national security customers. This first involved going through online resources for the homeless and cleaning up the data. (Turns out "Los Angeles" is one of the most misspelled cities online.) The prize was $35k, and the company donated it to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial Foundation andWounded EOD Warrior Foundation. Gary and Josh say the app (for iOS and Android)was built as a platform so it can tackle other data problems like alerting veterans when their healthcare claims have been filed instead of having vets call customer service every few days.
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