We’ve discussed the benefits of embracing mobile for communications and advocacy, but how do you implement that? Beekeeper recently helped Capital Area Foreclosure Network (CAFN), a Washington area group dedicated to helping residents prevent foreclosure, to accomplish precisely this.
Through a mobile campaign, the network hoped to promote their free hotline that helps connect Spanish and English speakers to a free HUD-certified housing counselor near their home or work. CAFN understood that much of its target audience, both lower-income and Hispanic families, used mobile devices, but had limited broadband access. Mobile technology represented a way to get at-risk residents connected to a counselor, help them stay connected for follow up, and generally allow CAFN to better address its constituents’ needs.
Using Mobile Commons, Beekeeper and CAFN devised a short-code system that would allow users to “opt-in” to receive tips, advice, and counseling by texting HOME (or CASA for Spanish language) to 877-877. Replies containing housing counseling information, scam alert tips, and more, are already being delivered to participants.
