HomeChaser: the Empty Property App

October 12, 2016

Dot Dot Dot and Microsoft Windows4Good are getting together this weekend for a Hack-a-thon. We’ll be developing an app to help Dot Dot Dot find more empty properties to house people who volunteer.

Last month Dot Dot Dot were invited to the #Winsiders4Good Create-a-thon. We went to look at how digital innovations can help address London’s housing crisis. While we had no idea what to expect from the event, we were honored and excited when the team of volunteers decided to dedicate two days to creating a digital solution for Dot Dot Dot.

The App of Dot Dot Dot’s Future?

And here the HomeChaser app was born. The app allows city explorers to identify empty residential and commercial buildings. In the process they win points and track the progress of their properties. The idea is to crowdsource empty buildings so that Dot Dot Dot can pursue suitable opportunities and transform as many as possible into cheaper housing for people who volunteer.

As many as 50 coders, developers and designers have signed up for this weekend’s Hack-a-thon. Hopefully they can take the app to the next level and make it a reality! We are really looking forward to it, so stay tuned for more updates.

Update! Our Homechaser app has progressed to the next level.

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Dot Dot Dot stands for property guardianship done well

We are a social enterprise which houses people in buildings that would otherwise be empty

We respect our guardians, selecting only the very best while supporting them to further the interests of their neighbourhood and to provide a high level of service to the property’s owner. This is a win-win-win for property guardians, owners and communities.

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“There’s an instant community feel here which is great. Looking forward to organising movie nights and board games nights with the other guardians.”
Caitlin, Whitechapel
“As a property guardian with Dot Dot Dot I save £450 per month compared with what I used to pay on rent – that’s a significant difference.”
Josh, Poplar
“Being a guardian gives me the freedom to do good, invest time in work I believe in and be part of a fascinating community. It’s a no-brainer.”
Sam, Thamesmead
“Dot Dot Dot has been a perfect springboard to the city.”
Tom, Croydon
“I saw the advert for Dot Dot Dot and was intrigued to find out more. Initially it was the low cost that attracted me but I also thought the social enterprise side of the business was really cool. I liked the fact that being a guardian with Dot Dot Dot encouraged me to give back and make me do something good with my free time.”
Heba, High Barnet
“It’s great because I often work from home. Because it’s a huge building you have you’re own space, but if you want to hang out with other guardians you can.”
Sarah, Whitechapel
“I love the idea that you are part of a community in such a large city. I like the fact we are allowed to be creative with the decoration of the flat and getting involved with local charities is something which I have missed doing over the last few years.”
Jasmine, Peckham
“It’s a really cool place – I can use it to work in like an office, and there’s already a great community.”
Pete, Whitechapel
“Dot Dot Dot has helped me get to know people around my area and it has been a great introduction to volunteering.”
Lamonte, Sutton
Local people have been very positive. They like the fact an empty building in their neighbourhood is being used again and is being maintained.
Conor, Shoreham-by-Sea