July 29, 2024

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July 29, 2024

Hummingbird App Launches Pilot in Timmins to Help Tackle Community Challenges

Timmins, ON, July 29, 2024—Sponge Design is excited to announce the pilot of the Hummingbird app in the City of Timmins. The app is designed to tackle community challenges such as needle cleanup, loitering, or supporting people in distress.

“Communities nationwide are grappling with a dual crisis. On one hand, many feel unsafe and frustrated by the increasing street disorder; on the other, individuals struggle to have their basic needs met and often act out of survival,” said Laura Meng, Co-Founder and the CEO of Sponge Design. “With Hummingbird, we aim to respond by serving a dual role: being the anchor that helps people feel safe while providing the support that others need to get back on their feet.”

In collaboration with local community-based organisations such as DIY Community Health and the Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol, Hummingbird empowers community members to request help easily, while enabling outreach workers from these organisations to respond promptly and provide necessary support. This coordinated approach not only addresses the immediate concerns but also helps mitigate potential future conflicts by connecting marginalised individuals with the care they need.

“I’ve used the app twice since the pilot launch and have found it to be very effective. The outreach teams were very prompt in answering my requests. It makes myself and my staff feel safer and supported knowing there’s a team dedicated to serving the community and to handle difficult situations with us and/or for us,” shared Natalie Gisele, General Manager of Programming and Community Engagement at Le Centre Culturel La Ronde.

Together with its local partners, Sponge Design invites business owners and employees of Timmins to join the pilot program, aiming to make Timmins a safer, more supportive place for everyone.Translating opportunities into pragmatic solutions01 Reframing insights to inspire creativity

“Hummingbird is an exciting new tool for outreach teams to collaborate and connect people with services and support,” said Jason Sereda, President of the Board of Directors of DIY Community Health. “DIY Community Health is proud to be part of introducing Hummingbird to Timmins as a step toward improved community safety and well-being”.02 Fostering collective insight through liberation

Cory Robin, Executive Director of Downtown Timmins BIA, added, “Hummingbird gives Downtown Timmins merchants an easy-to-navigate way to connect with the right service for the right response. Our BIA has used it to report simple items like needle disposal to complicated items like encampments.” 

Download the Hummingbird app today to participate in the pilot program, as user feedback is crucial for refining the app to better serve the community. To learn more about Hummingbird, visit https://sponge.design/our-work/hummingbird/ or contact us at support@sponge.design.

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Media Contact:

media@sponge.design