Finding Their Place As a Potential Company

This group chose to tackle a problem that a lot of us know about, because it surrounds all of us, even if we don't realize it. To summarize, this group proposed an invention that would make life easier for homeless people, especially in light of the recent criminalization of homelessness. After presenting some very moving statistics, this group showed us their solution: a kiosk that allows homeless people in certain areas to access some basic necessities. Using their hand print, users can receive a care package with basic toiletries, water, a blanket, socks, and vouchers for shelters and soup kitchens. After pitching such a wonderful idea, it was hard to believe that this group didn't make it to the finals. Seeing such a promising group go first made me feel both hopeful and nervous, because I felt like my group could do well also, but I wasn't sure if we'd be able to compete.
If you've ever driven in Memphis, chances are you've seen at least one homeless person along the way. It is impossible to deny that homelessness is a serious issue in Memphis, as well as in the entire nation. With many states criminalizing homelessness, it becomes an even bigger problem. Last night, my friends and I read an article that said some cities are going to start fining homeless people $1300 for sleeping on sidewalks. Not only is this absurd because we should be helping homeless people instead of hurting them, but it's also absurd because homeless people don't have $1300 or a house to mail the fine to. What kind of world do we live in where we charge people for living on the streets instead of helping them? That's part of why I liked this group so much. I felt that they went about creating their solution to homelessness in a smart, compassionate way.
I think that providing homeless people with care packages and vouchers is such a generous idea. And I think that most groups had the same plan of going through the government as a way of funding their solution. However, I think that this group could have added a donation feature to their kiosk, they could raise even more money and better fund their project. This would be beneficial, because people would be so willing to give their money to this kind of organization, especially in the winter. Another thing that this group pointed out was the people don't always feel safe giving their money to organizations through the internet or over the phone, and allowing people to donate through the kiosk would eliminate this kind of skepticism.