HUD Releases New Housing Resource Technology

According to HUD, the Resource Locator app and website is intended to offer consumers real-time HUD housing information instantly.

It will also allow consumers to quickly connect with building managers, public housing authority representatives, and property management companies to inquire about housing availability and other housing-related questions.

“The HUD Resource Locator app delivers real-time HUD housing information at the touch of a button,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro.“In today’s global economy where more and more people have a smartphones or similar devices, HUD is committed to finding ways to make it easier for Americans to access our resources and find opportunities to move ahead.”

The Resource Locator is provided by HUD’s Enterprise Geographic Information System (eGIS) and uses GIS technology to pinpoint where resources are located and allow anyone with a smartphone or tablet to get relevant contact information to solve housing-related issues quickly. The technology uses housing data from HUD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

HUD poses the example of the app being used by families who require housing in the wake of a disaster, or when social services are helping those that are homeless find available housing assistance options.

"In an era where people are increasingly using smartphones to find information, the HUD resource locator app and mobile site provides an easy tool for anyone to use to find housing resources," the announcement said.

The HUD Resource Locator is a mobile app and mobile website that includes:

• Information about commonly requested housing-related resources from HUD field and regional offices throughout the country.
• Location data and contact information for HUD Field and Regional Offices, Public Housing Authorities, Multifamily Housing, Low Income Housing Tax Credit apartments, USDA Rural Housing, and Continuum of Care Homeless staff.
• Maps that are seamlessly linked via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, email and text messages.
• GIS and Browser Location Detection to show resources in proximity to the user.
• Ability to export search results to Excel and to generate a custom PDF resource guide.