Stage 2 Define

Initial Define Statement

After interviewing people and observing individuals experiencing poverty, I found several common patterns. Many people struggled to find accurate and up-to-date information about community resources. They often had to search multiple websites or contact several organizations before finding the help they needed. Many also expressed feelings of stress, frustration, and anxiety because the process was confusing and time-consuming.

These insights show that people need one simple, reliable place where they can quickly find information about food assistance, housing, healthcare, education, and job opportunities. A centralized community resource website or app could make it easier for individuals and families to access the support they need.

Define Statement

Low-income individuals and families need an easier way to find reliable information about food, housing, healthcare, education, and job opportunities because searching through multiple websites and organizations is confusing, time-consuming, and stressful. They need one simple and accessible place where they can quickly connect with the resources they need to improve their quality of life and achieve long-term financial stability.

Affinity Mapping

• Difficulty Finding Resources: Many people struggled to find accurate and up-to-date information about food, housing, healthcare, and other community services.
• Financial Hardship: Low-income individuals and families had difficulty affording basic necessities such as food, rent, healthcare, and education.
• Emotional Stress: Many people experienced stress, frustration, and anxiety while searching for assistance.
• Reliance on Community Support: People often depended on food banks, local organizations, government assistance, friends, and family for help.
• Need for a Centralized Resource: Many wanted one simple website or app that provides reliable information about all available community resources in one place.

POV Statement

A low-income individual or family needs an easier way to find reliable community resources because searching through multiple websites and organizations is confusing, time-consuming, and stressful, making it harder to access the support they need to improve their quality of life.

How Might We Questions

• How might we make it easier for low-income individuals and families to find reliable community resources in one place?
• How might we help people quickly access food, housing, healthcare, education, and job opportunities?
• How might we reduce the stress and frustration people experience when searching for community assistance?

Initial Persona

Name

Maria Johnson

Demographics

• Age: 34
• Occupation: Part-time Retail Worker
• Location: Orlando, Florida

Goals and Motivations

• Provide food, housing, and healthcare for her family.
• Find a stable full-time job.
• Achieve financial stability and peace of mind.
• Access community resources quickly and easily.

Frustrations and Pain Points

• Struggles to afford basic necessities.
• Has difficulty finding reliable information about available resources.
• Must search multiple websites to find assistance.
• Feels stressed and overwhelmed when trying to get help.

Quote

"I just wish there was one place where I could quickly find all the help my family needs."