Text message updates for homeless veterans

[christyleos]

Create SMS text messaging capability for homeless vets who want to know when and where resources are available. Since the need to connect to a crisis hotline and healthcare alerts are being covered y other groups (see below), it may be useful to focus on shelter, food, VA events, job fairs etc.

According to a Preliminary needs assessment of mobile technology use for healthcare among homeless veterans, homeless veterans use IT and welcome its use for health-related purposes. Technology-assisted outreach among this population may lead to improved engagement in care.

Currently, there are a few SMS messaging tools in place, such as:

• Veterans Text, a Veterans Crisis Line text-messaging service (text to 838255). Qualified VA responders are standing by to provide free and confidential support even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
• VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Text Message Appointment Reminders - The text message will include the appointment date, time and location, and if a Veteran has multiple appointments on the same day, the system will send a separate message for each appointment.
• Annie App for Veterans is a Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging capability that promotes self-care for Veterans enrolled in VA health care. When your provider or a member of your VA health care team signs you up for Annie for a health issue, you will receive automated messages that prompt you to track your own health. You are asked to reply to messages so that Annie can let you know how you are doing. Annie also can send you appointment reminders and messages from your local VA medical facility.

[JeffL-T]

Also, it could provide alerts for events such as unfavorable weather or mobile clinical services. Project REACH was a similar program launched in 2015 with the VA, HUD, and the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, but seemed more focused on those people interacting with the homeless to help find services, rather than an app targeted directly at the homeless themselves. I can find no further information beyond the launch of the program.

Other considerations are phone availability, plan, and charging. The Obama Phone program provides free phones (means-tested), free service (requires 1 call monthly / register annually to remain active), but may require a fixed address (shelter address may be acceptable), and charging points exist in VA resource centers and other community facilities.