A volunteer-driven nonprofit is leveraging technology to support homeless individuals, with a focus on helping veterans find housing and essential services.
Street Care®, an initiative of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Bright Mind, has launched a series of innovative tools to connect homeless individuals with aid. The group, which has already helped over 4,000 people, recently introduced a “User Verification” system to ensure safe and effective volunteer efforts. The program includes verified local leaders, video-based certification courses, and a browser-based web app that allows volunteers to document interactions with homeless individuals for follow-up support.
New York native and medically retired Navy Lt. Commander Ryan Miller, the organization’s national spokesperson, emphasized the urgency of the issue. “Homelessness is an increasingly urgent crisis. I’ve seen firsthand how Street Care moves people beyond just looking away—it creates deeper change.”
According to Street Care, nearly 700 people die from cold exposure every year in the U.S., and over 32,000 veterans are currently homeless. The nonprofit aims to bridge the gap between volunteers and service providers, helping individuals get off the streets and into stable housing. The group has distributed over 78,000 items and reached up to 67 million people through awareness efforts.
In addition to in-person outreach, Street Care launched a “Virtual Companion” program in February, offering remote support through Zoom and phone calls. Other initiatives include a “Peer Support” program for social and emotional aid, as well as enhanced mapping and documentation tools that allow volunteers to track the needs of homeless individuals for better follow-up assistance.
With homelessness affecting nearly 1 in every 574 Americans, Street Care is seeking new volunteers and donors. The organization is currently running a $5,000 matching-funds fundraiser to expand its services.
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