When Toronto-based web developer Arjun Sahjpaul completed his software engineering program, he wanted to apply his newly acquired skills into something he was most passionate about: helping people in need.
Sahjpaul is the creator of Respitely, an online resource for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Toronto with an aim to modernize access to their basic needs.
Through Respitely, users can find a list providing daily updates on bed and room availability in often overcrowded shelters. It also contains details on each shelter, including the age demographic it serves, type of shelter (i.e. emergency, transitional) and total capacity.
The site also displays a live drop-in meal tracker, where users can pinpoint the closest centres serving food which are categorized by breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
The inspiration for creating this resource came from Sahjpaul being directly engaged in his late mother’s benevolency at a young age, where he and his three siblings would participate in activities such as gathering donations for women’s shelters.
He told Now Toronto that many of his vivid memories include accompanying her on long drives to visit an uncle who struggled with mental health issues, usually bringing clothes and food over.
“Over time, these visits helped me understand that those of us who are fortunate to have food and housing have a duty to help those who do not,” Sahjpaul said.
“Her insistence on recognizing the struggles faced by others instilled in me the desire and passion to create this platform, with the hope of improving accessibility and connecting those in need with the basics of life.”
A significant challenge for people experiencing homelessness can be the digital divide, where many don’t have access to technology like smartphones or internet access. Sahjpaul admits that while the company’s resources will never be accessible to every Torontonian in need, Respitely aims to digitally connect with as many individuals as possible.
“Some studies suggest that the divide may not be as wide as previously thought, with a significant portion of homeless populations (80 to 90 per cent according to one study) having access to cell phones and technology,” he explained.
Sahjpaul also suggests for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to utilize the free internet that Toronto Public Library (TPL) offers, where residents can obtain a library card for easy access to computers. As of July 3, customers without internet at home can also receive free take-home Wi-Fi hotspots at select library locations, according to TPL’s website.
Respitely hopes to partner with more municipalities across Toronto, and eventually cities across Canada and the rest of the world. For now, the site filters its information directly from the City of Toronto’s Daily Shelter Occupancy system and configures it into a central database. While Ward 9-Davenport City Councillor Alejandra Bravo finds the initiative commendable, she recommends unhoused people to use the Central Intake system, a city-operated telephone-based service offering referrals to shelters and many other accommodations.
“Torontonians care deeply about looking out for one another, and I thank everyone who shows care for our unhoused neighbours,” Bravo told Now Toronto.
“Central Intake is the City of Toronto’s source to find and be referred to emergency shelter. If you are in need of emergency shelter space, you can call the Central Intake line at 416-338-4766 or 1-877-338-3398 or by calling 311.”
