You Can Now Use Google Maps to Help the Homeless—Here's How
Activism doesn't always have to be complex. Ashley Sundquist has been taking simple steps towards advocating for those within her local homeless community by curating resources on an app you already probably use daily: Gooogle Maps.
While speaking with local members of the homeless community in her native Los Angeles, Sundquist realized she could use the platform to help direct those in need to centers where they could find food, shelter, and free showers.
"I could immediately see how impossible it would be to navigate all of these websites, especially if someone is already struggling with mental health issues or they have limited access to technology," Sundquist told Mashable.
As word of the curated maps that she was making for her local homeless community got out, people from around the world began bombarding Sundquist with emails inquiring how they could do the same. Sundquist even caught the attention of Google Maps representatives, who were amazed by her ingenuity to solve this far-reaching matter.
"There's just something about having a map that's always there, you can never lose it. All you need is the link," Sundquist tells Mashable.
Interested in setting up a map for your community? Sundquist recommends that you get to know your homeless community, research shelters and food banks in your city, and check with all organizations about scheduling and transportation access. Once you have that info, you can follow this step-by-step guide to make a curated Google Maps list of your own to share across your social media platforms.
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