This was a software project for me, wanted something that lets me know what things to do in the area, where are shops, what are their hours, how to contact them, etc. Not only for businesses but for public spaces (say you wanted to rent the local park for an event-contact info is there), also event information, local notices, etc.) I've used it several times checking if some store in the town I'm headed is open (go to the local info page, then click on the facebook link and see if it is actually open) as well as a place to point others local resources (like where can we hold a wedding near town X).
https://doplaces.com After ten years I've learned it's to get people to submit information (even if listings are free) also has been a challenge for this semi-introverted programmer to market it.
Another project (for my employer) we have had a printed community resource directory for decades this helps people find local government/aid resources for families and has got recognition for its handyness in emergencies. I have created a web version - the notable part on this one is putting in a facility so those on mobile can (via cookies) select favorites and write notes associated on those for later reference. https://rr.trcac.org/resdir.htm I guess the other challenge in this area is we are rural and a good portion of the population is not all that well connected or tech savvy. The paper one still currently wins out over the on-line version.
Re: project for your employer: Is 211 not a viable option in California or in the counties your org serves?
Don't get me wrong, I've tried working on 211 in Washington, DC and experienced the same thing, ultimately: Individual nonprofits creating their own resource and referral systems since 211 was not cutting it and would likely never cut it.
Last time I heard about 211 in our counties - about 20 years ago - they (the agency that got a tri-county grant) had a resource directory website and were looking into doing phone support but funding left for some reason and the site is long gone. (Found Calaveras 211 - has only PG&E public safety/Hate crime support line/tobacco cessation info.)
Will see if it has regained any support up here - don't see much advertising for it in this rural area, and looking at the California 211 most of the resources point to the central valley... Thanks for the heads up!
https://doplaces.com After ten years I've learned it's to get people to submit information (even if listings are free) also has been a challenge for this semi-introverted programmer to market it.
Another project (for my employer) we have had a printed community resource directory for decades this helps people find local government/aid resources for families and has got recognition for its handyness in emergencies. I have created a web version - the notable part on this one is putting in a facility so those on mobile can (via cookies) select favorites and write notes associated on those for later reference. https://rr.trcac.org/resdir.htm I guess the other challenge in this area is we are rural and a good portion of the population is not all that well connected or tech savvy. The paper one still currently wins out over the on-line version.