About Heartland Housed
Heartland HOUSED, established in 2022, is a strategic plan implemented by the city of Springfield and Sangamon County to address homelessness. It stem from the Springfield & Sangamon County’s 2022-2028 Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness.
The HH plan is distinctive because it seeks to not just address the immediate need of the homeless, but address the entire system of care for homeless individuals from beginning to end. Its model provides individuals with housing first, and then surrounds them with necessary services to address the issues that led to their homelessness.
The Heartland HOUSED organization, led by Josh Sabo, has been tasked with developing strategy, supporting implementation activities, and facilitating the collaborative work of the Heartland Continuum of Care.
Problem
Heartland Housed needed an improved web presence to draw attention for its noble effort. Outdated design, feebly produced content, old blog posts, and an unreliable provider led to their site being deleted.
Josh Sabo and his team needed to be spending their valuable time writing grants, attracting donors, and spreading their message to move their plan along.
Why spend time on the website when they can use their indiviudal talents more effectively?
Outdated design, feebly produced content, old blog posts, and an unreliable provider led to their site being deleted.
LRS got the site online and redesigned it for a beautiful, functional and user-friendly experience.
Solution
Josh let the experts at LRS Web Solutions produce a beautiful, functional and cohesive content-rich website that is easy to update, secure, and reliable.
Heartland Housed chose the Small Business Website package that includes the LRS Antilles Content Management System, professional web design and development, training. The Small Business Package includes a simple, clean design and an affordable solution, even for non-profit organizations.
"We wanted a professional to create the website. We didn't need a big or flashy site. Just a simple design with an easy way for us to make content updates."
The Heartland Housed team now says it is easy to add updates, such as board member minutes and agenda, grant information, progress reports, including integrating a "Progress to Zero" dashboard.
LRS Web Solutions also created an iOS app that allows volunteers and community members to access resources to assist with homelessness and housing insecurity in Springfield and Sangamon County.
This includes forms to collect information and alert Heartland HOUSED of individuals that need assistance. The app also includes links to resources and access to a calendar of events.
Key Improvements
- Easy for staff to make website updates
- Mobile app allows for easy data collection
- Strong calls to action
- Clean, attractive design
- Refreshed logo
Heartland Housed App
We also built an app for Heartland Housed to complement the website. The app replaced a Google Form with a more user-friendly mobile application. This integrates key features such as forms, calendars, and resources in a single app. The GPS functionality and API integration has enhanced data collection.
Results
The site launched in 2024. A year later, Josh Sabo says all the goals have been achieved.
- Improved data collection for street outreach efforts.
- Increased adoption rates among volunteers and employees.
- Provides a centralized resource for volunteers, employees, community outreach members, and the public.
- Streamlined data collection connects people quickly to current sources.
- Improved communication and coordination among volunteers and staff.
"I would say all of our goals have been achieved. One thing I have appreciated is how new staff have been able to access training and learn to edit the site through the resources provided without taking a lengthy onboarding process.
Josh Sabo, Executive Director, Heartland Housed
Value to the Organization and Community:
- Increased Efficiency: Streamlines data collection and processing for outreach efforts.
- Better Resource Allocation: Facilitates quick and accurate responses to the needs of homeless individuals.
- Enhanced Coordination: Centralizes key resources and information,
- Community Impact: Supports Heartland HOUSED's mission to address homelessness in Sangamon County, leading to better outcomes for individuals and families in need.