New downtown kiosks provide on-the-go housing resources for people in need

New large touchscreens are popping up in busy downtown Minneapolis locations. These interactive kiosks, known as Interactive Kiosk Experience (IKE), allow users to search for nearby restaurants, businesses, bathrooms, and upcoming events.

But the kiosks also include Hennepin Waypoint – the digital directory from Hennepin County that connects people experiencing homelessness or extreme financial hardship to services they need.

Created in 2018, Hennepin Waypoint provides easy access to services and resources for people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.

With just click on a range of categories like shelter, food, and clothes, users can access a list of services with important information and a map to get to the location.

The service is a joint effort by the Hennepin County GIS Department and the Office to End Homelessness, with assistance from multiple partners including Hennepin County Libraries, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement Ending Street Homelessness Committee, and many local service providers.

Chief of Staff for Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, Ben Shardlow, believes the inclusion of Hennepin Waypoint with the kiosks will improves access to information for anyone looking for services.

“The existence of Hennepin Waypoint makes it possible to broaden the usefulness of the digital kiosks for a larger audience with a wider array of needs,” said Shardlow.

Currently, six kiosks are installed, with most located along Nicollet Mall. By the end of the summer, 20 of these kiosks will be installed across busy downtown areas, including Hennepin Avenue and nearby stadiums.

“Including Waypoint in the kiosks also has a side benefit,” said Shardlow, “it will help to educate anyone who is curious about the ecosystem of available services downtown.”

Access Hennepin Waypoint online or visit one of the downtown kiosks to learn more.