To actively involve the community in addressing homelessness, the City of Surprise, Arizona, has recently launched the Surprise Area Focused on Encampments (SAFE) Reporting mobile application. According to the city's press release, this app allows citizens to swiftly report non-emergency situations involving homeless individuals or encampments, in the hope of connecting them with essential outreach services.
SAFE Reporting endeavors to make the reporting process convenient with a geo-location feature and an intuitive series of questions, which together, enable users to submit detailed reports in under two minutes, as per the City of Surprise. It's designed for those aiming to make a difference, but might not know how to directly engage themselves with those on the streets. Anonymity is an option for those who prefer it, allowing users to submit reports without sharing personal details, albeit with the alternative of providing contact information should they wish to get a subsequent response.
The app is a timely addition for Surprise residents who have long sought a direct way to assist their homeless neighbors. By making the process easily report and thereby helping to begin, the city is looking to forge a stronger partnership with its community. Available via the ESRI QuickCapture app, SAFE Reporting can be downloaded and added to both Apple and Android devices. Full instructions can be found on the city's website, where users can also access a resource guide with local assistance information spanning food and shelter to domestic violence support.
For those needing assistance with the new app, Surprise has set up a dedicated email at [email protected]. They encourage users to reach out with any questions or issues in utilizing this innovative tool that places the power of helping right in the palms of its community members.
