Background
Studies have shown that many free or low-cost services are underutilized by the people who need them most. For free services, being in the right place at the right time isn't enough, there are multiple barriers to access.
First, people need to have information about the services, in a way that is easy, affordable, quick and convenient for them to access and understand, and includes all the relevant information that they need to know. |
Second, they need to have physical access to those services; convenient operating hours and affordable transportation.
Third, they need to be intentionally empowered to take advantage of those services to tackle psychological barriers of access. These challenges, and the extent to which they are prevalent in Dallas, inspired MAP4GOOD, now called Map INDallas. |
Quality of LifeQuality of life goes beyond basic needs like food, shelter, and clean water. Access to free services like story time offered by libraries, free parks and recreation offered by the City of Dallas, and resources like classes to learn English are at the heart of what Map INDallas' long-term vision would provide.
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Basic NeedsBasic needs like access to food services, college prep, senior programs, faith-based community services, and shelters lay the foundation for the first version of Map INDallas. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the first version shifted to focus on COVID relief resources. Version I was released in the Spring of 2020.
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