doGooder: fostering volunteer communities to serve the homeless

Authors:
Joshua Morse;Jacqueline Cerretani;Sameer Halai;James Laing;Melissa Perez
Affiliations:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Venue:
CHI '08 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Year:
2008

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Abstract

We developed an online system, doGooder, to foster volunteer social networks. Through an extensive user-centered design process, including interviews and a literature review, we learned that people experiencing homelessness face a wide range of issues. Most organizations helping the homeless depend heavily on volunteers to enhance their service capacity. One agency we studied was able to extend its budget by 30% as a result of volunteer labor. Research shows that social relationships play a key role in galvanizing potential volunteers and motivating existing ones. doGooder connects volunteers with opportunities and service organizations, and builds a community of volunteers to encourage each other. Preliminary usability testing indicates that doGooder will successfully help organizations to recruit, retain, and organize volunteers to meet the diverse needs of various populations facing homelessness.