Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Gentry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Katie, appreciate you joining us today. Has Covid resulted in any major changes to your business model?

Being a hands-on simulation with only in person events immediately halted the business when COVID hit. As we were starting to do more events and simulations as referrals were trickling in, the city shut down and as a result so did we. But COVID made us realize that we could pivot to offer our hands-on simulations in other formats including a technology forward solution. We are in the process of revamping with a technology component to allow not only online simulations, but in person simulations with a smoother technology component. We are still working to launch the technology, but are excited for the pivot and the ability to regroup rather than shut completely.

Katie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Street Sense Solutions seeks to educate and inform community members about the complexities, daily struggles, and systemic barriers of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the metro Phoenix area, and how to get involved in proven, sustainable solutions that are helping our fellow neighbors facing homelessness.

We offer a hands on, live action simulation that replicates a ‘month’ in the life of experiencing homelessness. One of the things that people walk away knowing is how complicated and difficult homelessness is and what tools and resources are available in the community that they can help and direct people to.

We started as just an idea as part of the Obama Foundation’s Community Leadership Corp, but quickly launched the idea being featured by the Obama Foundation and going on to complete SeedSpot, a business accelerator in Phoenix, Arizona.

We continue to work to ensure that people not only understand the complexities of homelessness, but how they can help.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

One of the greatest assets that the organization had is how close I was to the topic. Working in homelessness for over 5 years in Phoenix allowed me to see the system as a whole – what services are available and not available, who isn’t able to access the system, and what is missing.

I often receive calls from people I meet asking why are people experiencing homelessness and what they can do about it. That’s where Street Sense ultimately came in because there is a gap in knowledge and we hope to fill that space.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Most of our clients are people we meet who want to know more about homelessness or referrals from others. We rely on word of mouth as well as some social media for people to find out about us and contact us about learning more.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.streetsensesolutions.com
• Instagram: @streetsensenow
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StreetSenseNow
• Twitter: @streetsensenow