CDR Project for Homeless Veterans

For the 2023 spring term, the CDR class has offered to help Tunnels to Towers (T2T) https://t2t.org/ . Since 9/11, T2T has supported America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

In addition, they are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness.

The CDR class has been developing healthcare technology for T2T building programs to house homeless veterans. With nearly 20 Computer Science engineers in the class, the emphasis will be on creating a safe environment that aids in the progressive wellness of the former military who have experienced debilitating alcohol, drug, and environmental conditions since leaving service. Tools include simple voice commands that will alert security/clinical staff in need, new forms of therapy and nutrition assistance, a “to-do” list that will enable a return to routine, and educational delivery to allow a progressive return to work. All will be delivered via technology using sensors and other devices with an emphasis not to have the patients feel they are being monitored. With input from USVETs (a veteran screening and services management entity for T2T), the students learned what to expect from veterans directly off the street who face irradicating substance abuse and mental health issues.

The presentation was held on May 8th to Tunnels 2 Towers and USVETs. T2T was impressed by the depth and ability to solve the problem; they asked if development could continue to show at the Veterans conference in November.