By bringing together more than 150 members of the IT and digital community, creative industries and local and national government, as well as the charity sector, the Homeless Hackathon aims to find innovative solutions to better support homeless people. Attendees will be using tools such as apps, websites and other digital platforms.

Sponsored by HRC Recruitment, the hackathon will include pitches from charity organisations, such as Simon Community and Streetwork, who are seeking support to develop a Risk Assessment App to be used by their street teams.

Who Should Attend?

The Homeless Hackathon would welcome participation from programmers and coders, event organisers, social workers, graphic designers, care workers, digital marketers, project managers, shop owners, journalists, accountants, PR professionals and those in transformational roles.

A study by Heriot-Watt University found that there are currently 11,800 people across Scotland either sleeping rough, staying in hostels, or living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

With this number set to rise this inaugural event will hopefully attract individuals or groups with ideas, time, skills and resource to donate to helping homeless charities to provide better support.

Supporting Ideas to Become Reality

Glasgow Homeless Network Director, Margaret-Ann Brünjes, said: “If there are digital solutions that can ease people’s experience of homelessness in any way, then the Hackathon is the best opportunity to engage with the growing tech community in Scotland.”

“We are delighted to add our support to a Hackathon that is designed to find practical solutions for organisations tackling homelessness in Scotland.”

William Thomson of organisers Gallus Events said: “We hope that by matching organisations with those individuals who have a desire to help, we will start to develop and implement practical solutions to the homeless situation across Scotland.” 

“The funding available for the winners will put in place longer term support that will allow ideas to become reality.”

Tickets are now available online.