In 2018, Cisco and Destination: Home formed a partnership to address homelessness in Santa Clara County. Their main focus was on expanding supportive housing and preventing homelessness, but they also recognized that technology could be a powerful tool to improve both access to resources and the efficiency of service delivery. Though not a complete solution, technology can play a vital role in helping people experiencing homelessness connect with essential support.
Identifying Technology Gaps in the Supportive Housing System
The first step was to conduct a technology needs assessment across Santa Clara County’s supportive housing network. This evaluation highlighted opportunities to use data and digital tools to strengthen care delivery. The results revealed a clear need: service providers and clients alike wanted better ways to communicate, as well as tools that would allow individuals to independently access services and manage their own information.
From these insights came the recommendation to create a client-facing portal. This digital platform would enable secure e-signatures, appointment scheduling, document uploads, and direct communication between case managers and clients. That vision eventually took shape as MyConnectSV.
Developing MyConnectSV Through Collaboration
The creation of MyConnectSV was an intentional, collaborative process rather than a quick rollout. Before implementation, system-level changes—such as updating county policies around electronic information-sharing—had to be made.
Destination: Home worked closely with service providers and individuals with lived experience of homelessness throughout design, development, and testing. This inclusive approach ensured the platform reflected real needs rather than assumptions.
The end product was a secure and user-friendly tool that empowers individuals while streamlining provider workflows.
Key Functions of MyConnectSV
MyConnectSV gives clients the ability to:
Update contact information instantly Keep track of upcoming appointments Upload, store, and retrieve important documents Access information on food, medical care, and other critical services Sign and submit forms electronically Communicate directly with case managers Monitor their place in the housing queue Share their current location with case managers using a “drop pin” feature Identifying Technology Gaps in the Supportive Housing System
The first step was to conduct a technology needs assessment across Santa Clara County’s supportive housing network. This evaluation highlighted opportunities to use data and digital tools to strengthen care delivery. The results revealed a clear need: service providers and clients alike wanted better ways to communicate, as well as tools that would allow individuals to independently access services and manage their own information.
From these insights came the recommendation to create a client-facing portal. This digital platform would enable secure e-signatures, appointment scheduling, document uploads, and direct communication between case managers and clients. That vision eventually took shape as MyConnectSV.
Developing MyConnectSV Through Collaboration
The creation of MyConnectSV was an intentional, collaborative process rather than a quick rollout. Before implementation, system-level changes—such as updating county policies around electronic information-sharing—had to be made.
Destination: Home worked closely with service providers and individuals with lived experience of homelessness throughout design, development, and testing. This inclusive approach ensured the platform reflected real needs rather than assumptions.
The end product was a secure and user-friendly tool that empowers individuals while streamlining provider workflows.
Key Functions of MyConnectSV
MyConnectSV gives clients the ability to:
These features help reduce delays, avoid missed opportunities, and accelerate the path toward housing stability. For clients, it means stronger connections to support systems; for providers, it translates to more efficient outreach and service delivery.
Expanding and Scaling the Impact
The MyConnectSV team continues to improve the platform by incorporating user feedback and adapting it to evolving needs. Beyond time savings, the tool makes information more accessible and creates a model that can be replicated elsewhere.
By collaborating with Clarity by Bitfocus—a platform already in use across more than 75 communities nationwide—the team ensured that MyConnectSV could be easily adopted by other regions.
What started as a local effort in Santa Clara County has become a scalable solution with the potential to impact communities across the country. While challenges remain, this project demonstrates how thoughtfully designed technology, grounded in empathy and collaboration, can transform lives.
Click here to know more.
Expanding and Scaling the Impact
The MyConnectSV team continues to improve the platform by incorporating user feedback and adapting it to evolving needs. Beyond time savings, the tool makes information more accessible and creates a model that can be replicated elsewhere.
By collaborating with Clarity by Bitfocus—a platform already in use across more than 75 communities nationwide—the team ensured that MyConnectSV could be easily adopted by other regions.
What started as a local effort in Santa Clara County has become a scalable solution with the potential to impact communities across the country. While challenges remain, this project demonstrates how thoughtfully designed technology, grounded in empathy and collaboration, can transform lives.
Click here to know more.