Local support, easier to find.

Pilot purpose

This pilot tests whether a lightweight public status layer can make local support easier to find without replacing provider intake, 211, HMIS, Coordinated Entry, case-management systems, or community directories.

What HelpSignal is

HelpSignal is a provider-controlled public status tool. People search local urgent resources and see the latest provider-reported status, a last-updated timestamp, and public instructions before calling or showing up.

What the 30-day pilot includes

• No-cost participation for about 5 to 10 providers
• 1 or 2 public listings per participating provider, with written approval before anything goes live
• Provider update methods that currently work in the product: secure update links, authenticated provider/admin updates, and SMS updates where an approved SMS link has been configured
• Admin support for setup, edits, and data quality
• A basic pilot summary at the end of the 30-day window

What providers get

• Fewer repetitive calls about hours, beds, and daily availability
• Fewer wrong referrals and unnecessary trips to your door
• Full control over your public notes and instructions
• The option to show status without publishing exact counts
• No software to install and no client-data exchange through HelpSignal

What providers are asked to do

• Complete a short intake and onboarding form in about 10 minutes
• Confirm in writing what information may appear publicly
• Keep status reasonably current when availability changes
• Share brief feedback at the end of 30 days

What appears publicly

Depending on what the provider approves and what exists in the listing, HelpSignal can show resource name, provider name, category, current status, last-updated time, phone, address or a contact-for-location message, hours, instructions, eligibility details, documents to bring, and a public note.

What never appears publicly

• Internal notes
• Exact counts, unless you choose to show them
• Staff names unless you choose to publish them elsewhere
• Client information of any kind
• Sensitive or confidential locations

What HelpSignal will not request

• Client records
• Medical information or protected health information
• Social Security numbers
• Immigration documentation
• Case notes or other sensitive client information

Not HMIS, by design

HelpSignal does not replace HMIS, coordinated entry, 211, provider intake, case management, or emergency services. It complements existing systems by adding a public-facing status layer for local urgent resources.

What HelpSignal is responsible for

• Operating the pilot platform and keeping protected staff tools separate from the public site
• Reviewing provider intake submissions before public launch
• Supporting listing setup, edits, and status-update methods that are already working in the product
• Sharing a pilot summary after the 30-day window

What the pilot measures

• Public searches and listing views in aggregate
• Provider status-update activity and freshness
• Community feedback about outdated information
• High-level patterns such as limited, full, call-first, or stale listings

Four weeks, start to report

Week 0

Intake form, written permission, listing setup, and update-method training.

Weeks 1 to 4

Listings are live, providers update status as needed, and HelpSignal monitors listing quality.

Week 4

Feedback is collected, a usage summary is shared, and the pilot report is prepared.

After the pilot

There is no required commitment after the pilot. The provider can decide whether to continue, pause, or remove its listing after the 30-day test period.

Next steps

1. Book a 15-minute pilot-fit call
2. Complete the intake form
3. Review the participation agreement and listing permissions
4. Go live when public details are confirmed

Availability is not guaranteed. Status can change after an update. Public information reflects the latest provider-reported status or the latest admin update. Call first when possible.

Questions, or to book and join: Book a call | info@helpsignal.org