SCADpro Fund invests in Mini City Atlanta
SCADpro Fund has partnered with graphic design alumna India Hayes on her new venture, Mini City Atlanta. “We are proud to fund India’s work as she brings transformative change to under-served communities in Atlanta and beyond,” says SCADpro Fund managing director Ray Crowell.
As stated on Mini City’s homepage, the challenge is clear:
US taxpayers spend $10 Billion annually due to homeless citizens remaining chronically homeless. This cost includes a range of services from ER visits to jail stays. This is inhumane for our homeless citizens and not sustainable for cities. ID alone cannot combat homelessness, but it is the key that can stop the cycle of homelessness.
Mini City Atlanta (MCA) helps the homeless population obtain government issued identification. Organizations and volunteers can access MCA’s web-based platform to assist those in need with filling out forms in order to acquire an ID that allows them to receive government-funded aid.
“Our primary goal is to combat chronic homelessness,” says Mini City CEO Hayes (B.F.A., graphic design, 2010). “By placing identification cards into the hands of the homeless and those who care for them, we can help these individuals get housing, jobs, food resources, and educations.”
As Hayes explains, a birth record is essential to solving this epidemic: “Our software is able to work with other states’ databases to ensure we are able to track down that information. If we can prove who you are, we can help you get the help you need.”
Hayes grew up in a home of advocates. Her godmother founded the Southeast Regional Economic Justice Network and her mother, a founder of Youth for Social Change, traveled internationally to champion the rights of the oppressed and disenfranchised. “I learned a lot from those women and I felt I needed to continue that legacy,” Hayes says.
After graduating from SCAD in 2010, Hayes joined CNN as a designer, creating info-graphics and transition screens. While she gained “a lot of experience working with high performing teams,” she could not ignore an inner voice calling her back to social service and community activism.
Leaving CNN, Hayes joined the Atlanta Tech Village where she helped homeless women create resumes, a mission inspired by her favorite SCAD professor, Peter Wong.
“When I was at SCAD I had to create a resume for his graphic design class. He kept telling us to get rid of frilly fonts and dramatic designs in order to let our work shine. Once, when he returned a particular assignment, he pulled one out and said, ‘One person didn’t listen.’ It was me! That moment was important, and I have used his template going forward, integrating it with the individuals I work with. Professor Wong has probably helped hundreds of homeless persons get a job.”
Hayes continues to build upon her goal to help the underserved and marginalized, and envisions MCA growing beyond Atlanta Metro area.
“We’re looking to get resources into the hands of thousands of homeless citizens,” says Hayes. “We can break the cycle of homelessness.”
Written by Robert Almand
