Using Open-Source Technology to Transform Healthcare and Housing for the Homeless

The homelessness crisis in the United States has reached alarming levels with over 650,000 people in the U.S. experiencing homelessness in 2023 according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Meanwhile, the politics on how to address this issue have never been more controversial with 75 U.S. cities, including Berkeley California, tightening restrictions on homeless encampments after a Supreme Court decision this year that allows government-imposed restrictions on outdoor sleeping. The number of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) continues to rise, driven by economic instability, inadequate housing support, and gaps in access to essential healthcare services. While the situation is complex, one promising solution lies in the integration of digital technology, specifically open-source platforms like those developed by the PathCheck Foundation, to improve the coordination of care and support for this vulnerable population.