Chicago based MoveSmart.org is a project aiming to make housing integration a reality, years after legal changes have left de facto segregation intact, by using mashups. The project will combine collections of data concerning public amenities and services, demographic data and economic numbers together with housing search.
Think of it as Trulia plus, with a social justice angle, or Zillow for people interested in more than just the price of a house.
The idea is that people without a whole lot of money have less access today to in-depth research about the areas in a city they might want to move to. By giving anyone the ability to research the public services, cultural opportunities and racial diversity of a neighborhood, traditionally less empowered people can make more informed decisions about moving.
I think this is a great idea and hope the project will succeed. Launching first in Chicago in Q3 of this year, it would be great to see MoveSmart go nation wide. MoveSmart is one of the first entrants in the NetSquared Mashup Challenge, an event that will bring nonprofit mashups together with developers, feedback and funding. $100,000 will be distributed by NetSquared to selected finalists at the event in May. Check out the work over there and consider lending a hand.
