Whitecap Helps The Salvation Army Gateway Reach Out www.TheGateway.ca
Background
The Salvation Army Gateway is a shelter and drop-in center for adults experiencing homelessness in the downtown core of Toronto. The Gateway provides everything from the very basic needs of food, shelter and clothing to a comprehensive case management program that works alongside folks on the street on their journey out of the shelter system towards becoming contributing members of the community.
Challenge
As a not-for-profit shelter, The Gateway does not have extensive resources to invest in costly web development and time consuming content updates to raise awareness of services, programs and social issues. However, without a web presence it is difficult to promote the shelter and keep staff, volunteers, supporters and other stakeholders up to date.
Solution
Whitecap redesigned, developed and hosts The Gateway's web site, www.TheGateway.ca, on a pro bono basis. The site promotes the shelter’s values, programs along with information about volunteering and providing financial support for the shelter. Whitecap developed the creative design for the site, which is built using the open source DotNetNuke framework. This framework enables non-technical staff at The Gateway in keeping the site up-to-date with the latest news and events. Whitecap also developed special modules for the site to allow dynamic content to be presented.
Results
www.TheGateway.ca has been a success in that it has raised awareness about the shelter’s programs by allowing staff and volunteers to easily publish shelter and program information on the web. Whitecap is pleased to be providing support to this organization through free development and hosting of this site.