During her time volunteering in women’s shelters, India Jha realized how something as simple as the lack of identification could prevent those experiencing homelessness from accessing the crucial assistance they need to move forward.

But it wasn't until India participated in a Goodie Nation hackathon focused on making Atlanta more economically inclusive that a light bulb went off – she could engineer a tech solution to solve that very problem for one of the nation’s most marginalized, vulnerable and overlooked groups.

“Obtaining vital records, like birth certificates, is extremely important for the homeless; it’s the invisible key that unlocks many doors,” explains India. “Over 50% of the homeless cannot get access to medical benefits, government benefits, employment and more due to lack of vital records. It is most certainly the foundational first step.”

India and her team created Mini City as a compassionate tech hub that obtains legal forms of identification, government and life-critical benefits for the homeless and those that serve them. “Our partner average is around 6-9 months without Mini City's software,” says India, “and with our software, we’re able to obtain vital records and benefits within weeks.” In fact, Mini City just launched a new partnership with Equifax to further validate identification in seconds.

India forged another valuable connection with the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN) with help from the Invest Atlanta Innovation & Entrepreneurship Office Hours program, which serves as a concierge for businesses seeking support, technical assistance, capital and talent. PIN, which offers access to funding and support networks through resources across business, research universities and government, awarded Mini City with a $250,000 grant – essential capital as India looks to expand on a municipal level throughout the city of Atlanta and Georgia.

India says her team members don't consider themselves do-gooders, but rather good-starters, and are especially moved when they're able to assist homeless youth with records and the subsequent benefits it unlocks.

“To help homeless youth get their first form of legal identification, bank account and government benefits so that they can start their dream job, move into that first apartment or enroll in an education program is always most inspiring to us,” says India. “It means a whole path has changed.”