In 2019, I set out to observe public activity in Gainesville, Florida. Curious about the homeless population in the city, I decided to research the resources available to such individuals. During my research and various interviews, I found that the main homeless shelter is located an inconvenient distance from downtown Gainesville, where most people would benefit from its services.
Click through the presentation above for more information on the process and research behind this project.
After compiling a map of available resources, I reached out to one of the main shelters in Gainesville to see what the homeless population in the area would benefit from the most. I found that the disconnect between available resources and the population resulted from little documentation and a problem with adult literacy.
With literacy problems in mind, I created a comprehensive list of resources available for people in need and a simple icon system that helps viewers decipher the services offered.
Given Gainesville’s temperamental and wet climate, I applied my design to a portable poncho. I 3D printed a capsule to accompany the poncho that can be attached to bags and used to store the poncho or other small belongings.