Helping Memphis, one person at a time

I really like the idea of Help Memphis because it is a kind of cover-all solution to several major problems. It was interesting that, instead of focusing on one problem like the rest of the groups did, you guys spread out. Rehabilitation for drug misuse, mental illnesses, home-aid, suicide, and sexual assault, as well as legal aid, are all something that we need access to, as a society. On top of many people needing help in these areas, oftentimes the problems are not even being recognized by others. This can make the problems even worse for those who are suffering. When you manage to bring a lot of information together about these problems, not only are you bringing help to those who suffer, but you are also informing others who could possibly be in a situation to help.

I was actually very surprised by the graph that showed the suicide rates by state. I had no idea that Tennessee was so high, even above the national average. I was also not expecting such low rates of people receiving treatment. It’s very sad to think about how only 10% of people get treatment for such debilitating conditions.

However, with this being limited to an information center, it misses one very important aspect of alcohol and drug abuse. The first step to getting better is admitting there is a problem. As someone who grew up with a severely alcoholic father, I know how there are many programs there for him. The problem wasn’t finding, or even getting him accepted into them, it was getting him to go. He didn’t think he had a problem. As an app, this problem can’t really be fixed, other than to reach out to those close to the ones who have the problems, which it can. There is nothing limiting it to just those with the problems.

I also like how you included homelessness on the app. It is a big problem in Memphis, as can be seen just by driving around. Having a place to go that will provide them with food and shelter could be all someone needs to get back on their feet. Only addition I could think of for here is perhaps a job board for the homeless that lists jobs that are easy to get into, like not requiring a place of residence on the application, to provide some sort of income.

Help Memphis decide

Decision, decision, To figure about whom to talk about was hard. Every single group had great ideas and I had many input for all of them. They all deserved to be up there. One thing I loved was help Memphis, I believe it a great app. First is resourceful,people will benefit from this app. This a local so finding option to put on the app will not be impossible and they will be plentifully. I found flaws to the other presentation, well technically things I could add or such. One thing that I had was nothing to add, except maybe a donation site but I do not think it was needed since well it is part of the resources provided. This helps mostly everyone that might needed. One thing is that what of the people that cannot receive it. For example,the utility help that people get because of the government but you need a status resident or citizenship, The legal help can be accessible for people with some sort of status. It helps people but not everyone. Please target some other people that could not get help other wise. in another hand, everything else is helpful, from where to go and such. The presentation was great and the statistics were realistic, keep it up. One idea is to add organizations and maybe consider reaching out to some, By having this information it will be great for people. Other thing that might help people is having an option to help people reach out to these many organizations,maybe talk to a representative or simply know about them and their purpose. I know that many of this organization have links so there is that. I know it would be difficult having to go by your self but by having this it might be easier for them and people that need get could get help and is this app not about that? The only problem with that is finding all of the organizations here in Memphis. Combing through all that data could be hard. overall this app will help people and I recognize that. I honestly would not change anything majorly, the idea is all put together. I mostly do not remember a lot since it was over two weeks ago but the thing that I can remember is that it was great. Keep the work up and keep up helping people.

Help on the Go (Help Memphis App Review)

I liked the idea of “Help Memphis”. It is undoubtedly true that the city of Memphis faces tons of problems, for instance addiction, poverty, and homelessness. The app is very useful because it attempts to connect all these major issues into one. Many people think that there is no one out there to help them through their troubles. However, this is a major concern because several people are not fulling aware that there are rehabilitation centers willing to help them with their impulsivity, substance abuse, and drug withdrawal. Unsurprisingly, Whites have a much larger treatment rate than addiction rate compared to any other race. Homelessness is another important issue here in Memphis. Whenever you are about to enter or exit the freeway in East Memphis, you will find a homeless person needing monetary aid. This app is great because it will provide available programs that will provide: utility assistance, shelter, and clothing. Sadly, the app does not tell citizens where they can make donations. Many people will say, “But how will the homeless be able to access this information?” They do not necessarily need an iPhone. Nowadays smartphones are relatively cheap, and you can literally buy them anywhere.

The option for multiple helplines for either suicide, sexual assault, and STD is the fundamental concept of the app. Many people in those situations do not who to contact to get the right help that they need. The hotline categories in the app should be a little more specific. What really surprised me about the app was the legal aid section. I did not know that there were services available to low income individuals or families. I learned that these services cover things such as medical assistance. The app should also include links that provide prices and discounts for prescriptions drugs like GoodRx. This will definitely help people who are struggling to afford their medications. Adding the non-emergency police line was a smart idea because people always think about calling 911 for everything. Apparently, callers can get fined if the phone call to 911 is not a severe emergency.

Another awesome part about the app is that it lists several counselors and therapy centers available in the 901. I like how it provides the address, their hours, and a little information of what they do. I wish that it also provided a picture of what the location looks like. Unfortunately, the app does not deliver alerts to its users to events such as free dental cleanings or free mammograms.

Memphis Helped

I thought you all did a wonderful job pinpointing the facts that there are many people out there who aren't aware that there are resources for people going through hard times. Rehabilitation is something many people face such as alcoholism and drug abuse. Giving people a social ground for recovery is also a good ideal for those such as Alcoholics Anonymous or AA. The statistics you provided were as well numerous and accurate. You really went into detail concerning those who displayed signs of outrageous behavior in specific home and work environments. I, at first, didn't know that homelessness in Memphis is decreasing. Also, I didn't know that there were various types of homelessness with chronic homelessness being the most devastating. Suicide deriving from alienation and isolation was also new.


The website you all provided was very informative and detailed. The links you provided gave viewers access to real resources out there for people in need of help. These resources in particular are rehabilitation centers and police stations in Memphis that anyone can reference for assistance. The Downtown Memphis slideshow in the background also added theme and color to the website as a whole.


Everyone in the presentation did a good job at presenting the information that was assigned to them. Everyone played their role on iterating on the facts that they presented to the class. The presentation also lasted for the duration of the entire class period. Everyone showed up on time and also looked presentable while presenting to the class. However, some parts were a bit shy and you all could have spoken louder as a whole.

Help Memphis

Powerpoint:

• https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/194W8n1PlkDick3OCY4a8dBcNC8uj10Ql-cAVysvJpE4/edit?usp=sharing

App:

• http://snappy.appypie.com/html5/help-memphis
• http://snappy.appypie.com/user/app/open-url/a34e9325d54f