We took on the project of building the management tools KEYS needed, knowing that the faster they got a new client into housing, the more likely it was that person would get ABOUT KEYS their life back. That meant automating the processes of pairing a client with an available room, reserving KEYS programs and services o昀昀er the room, and arranging for payment. Further, because KEYS focuses on getting clients into rapid re-housing intervention self-sustaining lifestyles in permanent housing, it meant tracking clients through the whole to economically disadvantaged process, from the 昀椀rst night in a hotel to the day they were able to pay their own rent. individuals and families using a Housing First Approach—a The 昀椀eld workers who spend every day on the streets of San Bernardino, connecting with those proven method in which people in crisis and paving the way for them to recapture the promise of their future, are heroes. experiencing homelessness can They’re creating hope and saving lives. To empower their e昀昀ort, we set out to deliver achieve stability regardless of a solution that did everything they needed—and more. their challenges. Today, that solution allows KEYS 昀椀eld workers to connect new clients with housing using an app on their mobile devices. Instead of three days, the process takes two hours, during which KEYS can stay in touch with its clients to ensure that they arrive safely at the hotel where they’ll begin their journey back to stability. Our solution also generates data that provides insight into the 昀椀ght against homelessness. “Every row of data is a life That data helps to de昀椀ne the methodologies and funding needed to end the epidemic of homelessness that’s impacting towns and cities across America. whose story deserves to KEYS is one of many organizations we’re supporting with our platform and through our work to be told with dignity.” help end homelessness. We’re also providing the organizational core for Urban Vision Alliance, a visionary nonpro昀椀t working to build collaboration among the agencies and organizations creating new housing throughout the United States. And we’re supporting the City of JERÉ J. THRASHER, Ed.D. Detroit’s homelessness response outreach. Executive Director, KEYS Through these projects, we’re improving templates that can be used by any organization, anywhere to have a meaningful impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness. | 25 SMARTSHEET IN ACTION