Empowering Homeless Individuals Globally Through Technology

Founded by youth, guiding individuals to essential resources and free accommodations. Uniting hearts to make a difference.

KGW News

Portland teen develops app connecting those who are homeless with resources

PORTLAND, Ore. — A local teen created an app to help connect people experiencing homelessness in Portland with services they need.

Claire Cao started developing Shelter Bridge last spring and launched the app in August. It offers users a way to find shelter beds, meals and other resources including legal aid and help with mental health. The app also features a chat bot that answers basic questions and connects users with maps to service locations.

“We've been asking for an app like this for a number of years now,” said Scott Kerman, executive director of Blanchet House.

“WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/13/24] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici announced that Claire Cao, a senior at Jesuit High School, won the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Oregon’s First Congressional District.

Her app, ShelterBridge, helps unhoused individuals, service providers, and first responders easily access information about critical resources like shelter availability in real-time. Cao was inspired to create the app while she was volunteering at Blanchet House after speaking with a Portlander who had difficulties accessing resources for his basic needs. The app also includes a map and a chatbot to answer questions.

“The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for students to develop their coding skills and also address the challenges they see in their communities,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “It was impressive to see the talent, innovation, and civic-mindedness demonstrated by the students who participated in this year’s App Challenge. I commend Claire for developing a much-needed tool to help people experiencing homelessness across our country and I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.””

Winner of Oregon First District’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge

Facing the crisis:

2023 Portland tri-county One night

7,483 homelessness

60%
unsheltered

13%+
2022

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the ShelterBridge App!

Discover Our North America Services

We are proud to collaborate with organizations that share our vision of making a meaningful impact in our community.

55 years of services. More than 10,000 homelessness served annually

Multnomah County District Attorney Office

Downtown Seattle Association MID

Portland State University

Charlotte CLT homeless

City of Palm Springs

450,000+ meals served annually. Serving essential aid with dignity.

Coos Bay Homeless Response Office

Martha's Village & Kitchen

YouthLink connect youth in the technology world.

Served 1000 to 1500 young people annually as they work to overcome barriers

Oregon Department of Human Services

What People Are Saying

We've been asking for an app like this for a number of years now. To have the kind of technology that we use every day with hotels and other kinds of reservations help people get into safe, supportive and dignified shelter would be a game changer for our community

— Scott Kerman, Executive director, Blanchet House

As a Supervisor with the Metropolitan Improvement District Community Safety and Hospitality team I see the potential of the Shelter Bridge app. This is a great one-stop app our Ambassadors can use to easily find resources for our vulnerable, houseless population. I have uploaded to my phone and begun to use this valuable tool

— Chris, Supervisor from Downtoan Seattle Association

I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible initiative in creating the Shelter Bridge app. As someone who has personally experienced homelessness in Portland, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the complex network of resources available. It often feels like there's an abundance of help out there, but accessing it requires a referral, and finding the right agency to provide that referral can be a daunting task

— Caleb J. C Homeless

  • Claire Cao

    FOUNDER, Executive Director

    Jesuit High School, OR

  • Daisy Conway

    Washington State Chapter Head/Writer

    Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

  • Alan Chen

    California Chapter Head

    Northwood High School, Irvine, CA

  • Julie Shin

    COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR

    Philadelphia Chapter Head

    University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Join us in our mission to provide support for homeless individuals everywhere.