In 2019, I decided to research homelessness in Gainesville, Florida. What I found was a disconnect between a vulnerable population and the community resources available to them.

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 items.