Launch of online service directory to help homeless

A new mobile website is available to help connect people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness with essential services.

Ask Izzy is a free, location-based online directory which allows people to search more than 350,000 services across Australia, including healthcare, food, accommodation and legal services.

The web-based application was developed by not-for-profit Infoxchange, Google, realestate.com.au and News Corp Australia, and was launched by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Melbourne on Friday.

Mr Turnbull said the website had the dual benefit of supporting those in need and collecting anonymous data that could help inform policymakers and the sector on the demand for services by this target group.

The CEO of Infoxchange, David Spriggs, said Ask Izzy was developed in close collaboration with people who have experienced homelessness and by those working in the homelessness sector.

He said the tool would also be an important resource for those who support people experiencing homelessness such as case workers, social workers and volunteers.

“Over time, we hope Ask Izzy will give a comprehensive view of service demand across the country, allowing the sector and government to make more informed choices about future investment,” Mr Spriggs said.

For further information, visit www.askizzy.org.au

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