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Gotta Talk? Michigan

Gotta Talk? is an AI tool that helps Michiganders apply for state benefits and access resources with absolute privacy.
January 5×5 Night at Start Garden
Voting Closes:

January 20, 2025 11:59 pm

About this idea
Gotta Talk Michigan leverages cutting-edge AI to create a conversational tool (not just a bot) trained on up-to-date nonprofit resource directories. The AI is designed to provide real-time, accurate answers to questions like “Where can I get a hot meal tonight in Grand Rapids?” or “My son has diabetes and I just got potatoes at the food pantry—what can I cook for him?” The AI refreshes its data daily to ensure accuracy, reliability, and relevance, eliminating the frustration of combing through outdated directories for people experiencing poverty. Unlike most commonly available AI tools, Gotta Talk? Michigan is built with robust privacy protections; not even the owners of the technology can see which users asked which questions. This makes it a trusted tool for people in need (and their caseworkers) to access critical resources without sacrificing their privacy. Additionally, the tool aggregates anonymized data to analyze trends, such as what resources residents are seeking in specific areas. This data helps communities and organizations better allocate funding and redirect resources to the programs and services people need most.
Impact
The tool is built using trauma-informed principles so that anyone who can read and write at a basic level in Michigan's most commonly spoken languages can access the tools, resources, and support they need anytime, 24/7. It’s unacceptable that we can order Chinese food, rides, or groceries instantly, but people in poverty must sift through outdated directories or sacrifice their right to privacy for basic health resources. Sadly, many non-profit and social service directories haven't been updated since the rotary phone was in use. Gotta Talk? Michigan changes that with a private, easy-to-use AI for health and wellness support.
What I'll do with $5,000
The $5,000 will fund the launch of a pilot program for Gotta Talk? Michigan with social service caseworkers and navigators. By introducing the tool to those who work directly with individuals in need, we will gather invaluable feedback on its usability, functionality, and impact. This feedback will guide enhancements to the tool, ensuring it meets the needs of both service providers and the communities they serve. The pilot will also build trust, establish credibility, and demonstrate the tool’s potential to streamline access to critical resources.
Quick Bio
Kody Gerkin is a seasoned nonprofit professional with extensive experience designing and managing technology-for-good projects. With a strong background in program development, Kody has successfully led initiatives that leverage technology to address social challenges, including projects spanning four continents. Specializing in innovative solutions for health equity and food access, Kody combines technical expertise with hands-on management of multi-sector health and racial equity collaborations. For over two years, Kody managed the expansion of an app used to expand access to food pantries in New York City and currently manages multi-year health equity projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control.
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