PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A year after Florida’s “Unauthorized Public Camping and Sleeping” law took effect, a new mobile app is helping outreach workers in Pinellas County connect people experiencing homelessness to shelter beds more quickly.
The Homeless Leadership Alliance (HLA) has launched the Community Services Mobile App, powered by WellSky, giving street outreach teams real-time access to available shelter beds across the county. The tool works much like a hotel booking app — allowing staff to see which shelters have open beds, filter by service type, and even get directions and contact details.
“This is the first time we’ve had something like this,” said Imani Smith, manager of HMIS and system administration for HLA. “Street outreach teams can use a phone or tablet to check shelter availability and make faster referrals on the spot.”…