SP2 Researcher Creates Crowdfunding App, Different Way to Donate

School of Social Policy & Practice Senior Research Fellow Dan Treglia has collaborated with Andrew Siegel of the Perelman School of Medicine to create StreetChange, an app that allows users to donate to people experiencing homelessness.

For about a year now, the location-based smartphone tool has enabled individuals to seamlessly make a difference as well as connects people with outreach programs in the city.

“We knew that the program framework was sound and that this could meaningfully improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness, but we’ve been blow away by the response,” Treglia said. “People see need in their communities and want to help, but are never sure of the best way to do so. We thought this would provide a meaningful solution, and it’s resonated with a lot of people.”

Check out this video, produced by Upworthy and Verizon, to learn more about how the program works and how connectedness makes an impact.

“It brought a level of attention we could not have expected, including offers to partner with government and social service agencies, and we are excited to build an infrastructure that allows us to continue building the program in Philadelphia and beyond,” Treglia added.

StreetChange is currently a finalist for an Innovation Award from the Scattergood Foundation, given to one idea every year with the potential to improve life for people with behavioral health issues. The award itself comes with a $25,000 grant that will allow StreetChange to develop the infrastructure necessary to engage more service providers and more clients in Philadelphia and beyond.

You can view StreetChange’s application and take a few moments to vote here.