Outreach Grid Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Outreach Grid is dedicated to bridging communities and technology to collaboratively end homelessness. The company aims to empower regions to build resilient communities by providing a unified platform that facilitates collaboration across agencies to combat homelessness effectively.

Primary Area of Focus

Specializing in the development of coordinated entry platforms, Outreach Grid assists officers and service providers in screening homeless individuals and connecting them with appropriate social service resources. The platform is designed to keep users informed about homeless neighbors, locate vulnerable individuals, and dispatch services to deliver timely care.

Industry Significance

By integrating technology with social services, Outreach Grid plays a pivotal role in modernizing the approach to homelessness management. Its platform enables real-time data sharing and collaboration among various agencies, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of homelessness intervention strategies.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Enhancing Collaboration: Facilitate seamless communication and coordination among outreach workers, case managers, shelter operators, and law enforcement agencies.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Provide real-time data insights to inform and improve service delivery and policy formulation.

Client Empowerment: Develop service plans tailored to individual needs, supporting clients' transition into self-sufficiency.

Areas of Specialization

Outreach Tools: Equip field workers with mobile-friendly tools to stay informed and respond promptly to the needs of homeless individuals.

Case Management: Streamline workflows for case managers to champion client needs effectively.

Shelter Management: Enable shelter operators to track bed inventory and manage resources efficiently.

Housing Navigation: Assist housing navigators in identifying and overcoming barriers to housing for clients.

Key Technologies Utilized

Mobile Accessibility: Ensure tools are accessible on iOS and Android devices, facilitating field operations.

Real-Time Data Sharing: Implement systems for immediate data updates and notifications.

Location-Aware Insights: Utilize GPS mapping to track encounters, hangouts, and encampments.

Primary Markets Targeted

Outreach Grid primarily serves cities, counties, and agencies involved in homelessness intervention and management, providing them with the tools necessary to coordinate efforts and deliver services effectively.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Debt Financing: In May 2023, Outreach Grid secured $1.19 million in debt financing.

Series A Funding: In October 2019, the company completed an early-stage venture capital (Series A) funding round.

Accelerator Participation: Participated in accelerator/incubator programs in March 2017 and October 2016.

Notable Investors

DG Ventures (Digital Garage Ventures): Corporate venture capital investor.

Plug and Play Tech Center: Accelerator/incubator investor.

Open Network Lab: Accelerator/incubator investor.

Utilization of Capital

The funds raised have been directed towards platform development, enhancing technological capabilities, expanding market reach, and supporting operational growth to better serve communities in combating homelessness.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Coordinated Entry Platform: A unified system that enables agencies to collaborate and coordinate on homelessness information, facilitating efficient service delivery.

Real-Time Shelter Bed Reservation System: An innovative feature allowing for the real-time management of shelter bed availability and reservations.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Integration: Custom data bridges to and from HMIS Data Warehouses and third-party sources, ensuring seamless data flow and reducing redundancy.

Location-Aware Insights: Mapping encounters and encampments to provide spatial analysis and inform outreach strategies.

Leadership Team

Tiffany Pang: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

John Cadengo: Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer.

Both leaders have been instrumental in developing and guiding Outreach Grid's mission to integrate technology with community efforts to end homelessness.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The human services software market is characterized by a growing demand for integrated solutions that facilitate data sharing, case management, and service coordination among agencies addressing social issues such as homelessness.

Competitor Analysis

CharityTracker: A web-based collaboration software that tracks clients and cases, enabling easy management and reporting.

Bonterra Case Management (formerly Apricot): A secure, flexible, and user-friendly case management solution for nonprofits of various sizes.

Therap Services: Provides secure online documentation, communication, billing, and reporting for the intellectual disability community.

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud: Offers a comprehensive platform for nonprofits to manage programs, services, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement.

Casebook: A cloud-based platform designed for human services workers, offering functionalities like intake, assessment, service tracking, and outcomes reporting.

These competitors offer various features that cater to the needs of human services organizations, with some focusing on specific aspects like case management or donor relations.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Outreach Grid has engaged in collaborations with various cities and agencies to implement and refine its platform. Notably, the company participated in the San Francisco Startup In Residence Program in 2016, developing the platform alongside the West Sacramento Police Department. Additionally, a 16-week residency program with the City of San Antonio allowed for direct engagement with outreach specialists and case managers, incorporating their feedback into the platform's development.