NextDoorHub

Inspiration

We wanted to create a platform that makes it easy for people, especially minorities and underserved communities, to find free local resources. Many people don't know where to start when looking for food pantries, shelter, or community programs. We wanted to simplify that process.

What it does

Throughout this project, we learned how to integrate different technologies, such as React for building the interface and Google Maps API for location services. We also learned the importance of accessibility and designing with users from diverse backgrounds in mind.

How we built it

We built NextDoorHub using React as the foundation for our front-end, ensuring a clean and responsive interface. The Google Maps Places API powered the location-based search, helping users find nearby resources quickly. GitHub was used for version control and collaboration, making it easier to manage code across the team. Altogether, these technologies came together to create a simple yet powerful website that connects people to free local resources.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges was handling API integrations smoothly, especially combining map data with translation services. Another challenge was designing the UI so it would be both easy to use and scalable for future features. We also had to carefully consider performance and error handling to ensure the app remains reliable.

What we learned

Through this project, we learned how powerful it is to connect different technologies to solve problems. We gained experience with React for building a friendly interface and, Google Maps API for location services. We also realized the importance of designing for accessibility and inclusivity, making sure the app can be useful to people from diverse backgrounds and needs.

What's next for NextDoorHub

NextDoorHub has the potential to grow beyond just food and shelter resources. In the future, we plan to add categories such as healthcare and job opportunities. We also want to build features for user feedback, so communities can share new resources or rate existing ones. Long term, our goal is to make NextDoorHub a trusted hub where anyone, regardless of language or background, can quickly find the help they need nearby. We also plan to expand the app with built-in translation features so users can access resources in their preferred language