S2E7: Using AI to Empower the Homeless with CG Chen Artwork

Think With ABD

A podcast about humanizing technology, data and design. We interview a wide range of speakers including creators, designers, and change-makers who are pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation.

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Think With ABD

S2E7: Using AI to Empower the Homeless with CG Chen

November 23, 2020 • Analytics by Design

As with many other industries, we see the adoption of innovative data-science technology to tackle social issues. Research has shown that 10% of homeless populations are visible in Canada, while the remaining 90% are hidden. Interestingly, about 94% of homeless people actually own a mobile phone in North America, and about 77% own a smartphone.

In this podcast, Sarah Sun, ABD’s Head of Research & Content, is speaking with CG Chen. Ms. Chen is the founder and CEO of Ample Labs, a non-profit empowering those of us facing homelessness using technology. In this podcast, Ms. Chen offers some insight into how AI technology, more specifically a chatbot named Chalmers, was used to find social services like free meals, shelter, clothing banks and more in the GTA regions, all in real-time on desktop and mobile.

Also, be sure to check out an interactive infographic that we put up to reflect the homeless problem in Canada.