Project Info

Bridge AI: AI-Powered Social Welfare Locator

Inspiration

Over the last half-century, financialization and globalization have fueled unprecedented GDP growth in the U.S. In 2024, U.S. GDP exceeded $28.3 trillion. However, because of financialization, the growth of high-tech industries, and globalization, wealth and income inequality have also widened significantly in the U.S. For instance, according to a UC Berkeley professor, wealth inequality in the U.S. has reached an all-time high (UC Berkeley). At the same time, Pew Research reports that income inequality is now at its highest level since 1928 (Pew Research). According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual report published in 2024, around 23 out of every 10,000 Americans—771,480 people—experienced homelessness in January 2024, and the total homeless population in the U.S. rose 32.5% from 2022 to 2024 (USAFacts). Currently, the U.S. has recorded 7.2 million unemployed people in May 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), but only about 2 million claim unemployment insurance (United States Department of Labor). To alleviate poverty and reduce economic inequality, we have designed Bridge to help homeless and unemployed individuals find shelters, food banks, and employment services—assisting them in reengaging with the U.S. labor force, promoting social productivity, and enhancing societal security. What It Does By simply entering their ZIP code, users get easy access to rated resources with distances. There’s also a live AI ChatBot to interact and help consult on personal needs: ZIP Code Resource Search Instantly find nearby shelters, food banks, clinics, clothing closets, and more—complete with user ratings and distance from you. ZIP Code Resource Search Instantly find nearby shelters, food banks, clinics, clothing closets, and more—complete with user ratings and distance from you. Resource Map Interactive map plotting all free/low-cost services in your neighborhood—select an item in the list to highlight its pin on the map, and click a pin to spotlight its entry. Double-click a pin to open its location in Google Maps. Resource Map Interactive map plotting all free/low-cost services in your neighborhood—select an item in the list to highlight its pin on the map, and click a pin to spotlight its entry. Double-click a pin to open its location in Google Maps. Live AI ChatBot Chat in real time for personalized guidance and follow-ups, with seamless integration of ZIP-based weather and temperature data to tailor all recommendations. Live AI ChatBot Chat in real time for personalized guidance and follow-ups, with seamless integration of ZIP-based weather and temperature data to tailor all recommendations. How We Built It Anthropic-Powered LLM ChatBot Integration Fine-tuned large language models (via Claude API) drive our live chatbot for real-time, context-aware resource suggestions and user consultations. Anthropic-Powered LLM ChatBot Integration Fine-tuned large language models (via Claude API) drive our live chatbot for real-time, context-aware resource suggestions and user consultations. React Frontend + Node API Snappy React + Tailwind UI talks to an Express server that aggregates Google Places and community-sourced data. React Frontend + Node API Snappy React + Tailwind UI talks to an Express server that aggregates Google Places and community-sourced data. Google Maps APIs Geocoding API for converting ZIP code into lat/lng coords. Places API for finding nearby food banks, shelters, clinics, job centers, etc. Maps JavaScript API for rendering a visual map with interactive pins for each resource. Google Maps APIs Geocoding API for converting ZIP code into lat/lng coords. Places API for finding nearby food banks, shelters, clinics, job centers, etc. Maps JavaScript API for rendering a visual map with interactive pins for each resource. Weather-Aware Advice We hit the OpenWeatherMap API for current weather and temperature by ZIP code—so Claude can tailor its recommendations (“Bring a raincoat!”) to local conditions. Weather-Aware Advice We hit the OpenWeatherMap API for current weather and temperature by ZIP code—so Claude can tailor its recommendations (“Bring a raincoat!”) to local conditions. Modular AI Agents Separate brains for resource discovery, recommendation orchestration, and future profile modules—keeps things neat and scalable. Modular AI Agents Separate brains for resource discovery, recommendation orchestration, and future profile modules—keeps things neat and scalable. Challenges We Faced Keeping LLM outputs consistent meant endless prompt tuning and automated validation pipelines. Real-time queries across multiple agents pushed us to optimize caching, batching, and auto-scaling. Guarding against bias and protecting vulnerable users required strict safety nets and audit logs. Building trust meant partnering with local orgs and iterating the UX based on real feedback. Accomplishments We’re Proud Of Spun up three (Resource Discovery Agent, Recommendation Orchestrator, Profile & Follow-up Agent) specialized and interactive AI agents in just 24 hours. Rolled out a slick React UI with a super-simple workflow—“Enter ZIP → Pick need → Search”—so anyone can tap a few buttons to find help instantly. What We Learned AI can dramatically lower the barrier to vital services. By wrapping basic LLM and Google Maps API calls into a seamless AI agent, we make life-saving resources instantly accessible to those who need them most . For people with limited internet exposure and experience, we streamlined the flow to “Enter ZIP → Pick need → Go,” paired icons with clear labels, and enlarged tap targets—making the interface more accessible and intuitive. What’s Next for Bridge AI Collaborate with local and federal governments, as well as NGOs and social-welfare organizations, to expand free or low-cost shelters, food, clothing, technical-skills training, and other resources that meet our users’ needs. Launch native iOS and Android apps for broader accessibility and offline support. Create login features and a database to store user information, chat history, and query history. Analyzing our user data to help policymakers design better public and social welfare policies, including Universal Basic Income policies for local governments and the country. Expanding services to cover mental health counseling, community colleges, legal-aid referrals, and so on. Citations: Coy, Peter. “Wealth Inequality Is the Highest since World War II.” Wealth Inequality Is the Highest Since World War II | Letters & Science, 3 Feb. 2022, ls.berkeley.edu/news/wealth-inequality-highest-world-war-ii. DeSilver, Drew. “U.S. Income Inequality, on Rise for Decades, Is Now Highest since 1928.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 5 Dec. 2013, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2013/12/05/u-s-income-inequality-on-rise-for-decades-is-now-highest-since-1928/#:~:text=Emmanuel%20Saez%2C%20an%20economics%20professor,levels%20not%20seen%20since%201928. Kollar, Jessica Semega and Melissa. “Increase in Income Inequality Driven by Real Declines in Income at the Bottom.” Census.Gov, 13 Sept. 2022, www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/09/income-inequality-increased.html. “Labor Underutilization Measures Ranged from 1.5 Percent to 7.8 Percent in May 2025.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 June 2025, www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/labor-underutilization-measures-ranged-from-1-5-percent-to-7-8-percent-in-may-2025.htm. “UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS .” Office of Workforce Security, Employment & Training Administration (ETA) - U.S. Department of Labor, 18 June 2025, oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/archive.asp. USAFacts Team. “How Many Homeless People Are in the US? What Does the Data Miss?” USAFacts, USAFacts, 28 Feb. 2025, usafacts.org/articles/how-many-homeless-people-are-in-the-us-what-does-the-data-miss/.

🌉 Bridge AI - AI-Powered Social Welfare Locator

Connecting communities to essential services through intelligent location discovery and AI-powered assistance.

Built for the UC Berkeley AI Hackathon 2025 🎓

🚀 Overview

Bridge AI is a comprehensive web application that helps individuals locate essential community services in their area. Using advanced AI technology and real-time data, it provides personalized recommendations for food banks, shelters, healthcare facilities, and other vital resources.

✨ Key Features

🔍 Intelligent Service Discovery: Find food banks, shelters, healthcare, Wi-Fi hotspots, and more
🗺️ Interactive Mapping: Visual location display with Google Maps integration
🤖 AI-Powered Chat Assistant: Context-aware recommendations using Claude AI
📍 Real-Time Directions: One-click navigation to any service location
🌡️ Weather-Aware Suggestions: Recommendations adapt to current conditions
⏰ Time-Sensitive Filtering: Shows currently open locations and operating hours

🛠️ Technology Stack

Frontend

React 18 - Modern component-based UI
Tailwind CSS - Utility-first styling
Google Maps API - Interactive mapping and geocoding
@react-google-maps/api - React Google Maps integration

Backend

Node.js & Express - RESTful API server
Google Places API - Location data and business information
Anthropic Claude API - AI-powered conversational assistance
OpenWeatherMap API - Weather-based recommendations

Key Libraries

CORS - Cross-origin resource sharing
dotenv - Environment variable management
node-fetch - HTTP request handling

📦 Installation & Setup

Prerequisites

Node.js (v14 or higher)
npm or yarn
API keys for Google Maps, Google Places, Anthropic Claude, and OpenWeatherMap

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/minggangli1030/bridge-hackathon-2025.git
cd bridge-hackathon-2025

2. Install Dependencies

# Install frontend dependencies
npm install

# Install backend dependencies
cd server
npm install
cd ..

3. Environment Configuration

Create a .env file in the server/ directory:

REACT_APP_GOOGLE_API_KEY=your_google_maps_api_key
REACT_APP_ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your_anthropic_api_key
REACT_APP_WEATHER_API_KEY=your_openweathermap_api_key

4. API Key Setup

Google Maps & Places API

Visit Google Cloud Console
Create a new project or select existing
Enable the following APIs:
- Maps JavaScript API
- Places API
- Geocoding API
Create credentials and copy your API key

Anthropic Claude API

Sign up at Anthropic Console
Generate an API key
Add it to your environment variables

OpenWeatherMap API

Register at OpenWeatherMap
Get your free API key
Add it to your environment variables

5. Start the Application

# Terminal 1: Start the backend server
cd server
npm run dev

# Terminal 2: Start the React frontend
npm start

The application will be available at:

Frontend: http://localhost:3000
Backend: http://localhost:58080

🎯 How to Use

1. Enter Location

Input a 5-digit ZIP code for your search area

2. Select Service Category

Choose from available options:

🍽️ Food (food banks, soup kitchens, pantries)
💧 Water (drinking fountains, water stations)
📶 Free Wi-Fi (libraries, community centers, hotspots)
🏠 Shelters (emergency housing, temporary shelter)
🏥 Healthcare (community clinics, free medical care)
🚿 Showers (public facilities, community centers)
💼 Jobs (employment services, job centers)

3. Search & Explore

View results in an organized list with ratings and distances
See locations on an interactive map
Click any location for details and directions

4. Get AI Assistance

Ask the AI chatbot specific questions about services
Receive personalized recommendations based on:
- Current time and day of the week
- Local weather conditions
- Operating hours and availability
- Your specific needs and circumstances

🏗️ Architecture

Frontend Structure

src/
├── components/
│   ├── CategoryButtons.js    # Service category selection
│   ├── ZipInput.js          # Location input form
│   ├── ResourceList.js      # Service results display
│   ├── MapView.js           # Interactive Google Maps
│   └── Chatbot.js           # AI assistant interface
├── services/
│   ├── googlePlaces.js      # Places API integration
│   ├── anthropicService.js  # Claude AI communication
│   ├── contextService.js    # Context-aware recommendations
│   └── weatherService.js    # Weather data integration
└── App.js                   # Main application component

Backend Structure

server/
├── index.js                 # Express server with API routes
├── package.json            # Backend dependencies
└── .env                    # Environment variables

API Endpoints

GET /api/places?zip={ZIP}&category={CATEGORY} - Fetch nearby services
POST /api/chat - AI conversation proxy to Anthropic Claude

🔧 Key Features Deep Dive

Smart Context Awareness

The AI assistant considers multiple factors when providing recommendations:

Time Context: Adjusts suggestions based on current time and day
Weather Integration: Prioritizes indoor locations during extreme weather
Operating Hours: Highlights currently open services
Distance Calculation: Uses Haversine formula for accurate distances
Urgency Assessment: Escalates recommendations during critical conditions

Advanced Location Filtering

Service categories are mapped to specific search queries:

const queryMap = {
  food: 'food bank|soup kitchen|food pantry|free meals',
  water: 'drinking water|free water fountain|public water station',
  'free wi-fi': 'free wifi|public wi-fi|community wifi hotspot|library',
  // ... more categories
};

Real-Time Data Integration

Live weather data affects recommendations
Operating hours determine availability
Distance calculations help users find nearby options
One-click directions to Google Maps for navigation

🎨 UI/UX Design

Clean, Accessible Interface: Designed for users in potentially stressful situations
Mobile-Responsive: Works on all device sizes
High Contrast: Easy to read in various lighting conditions
Intuitive Navigation: Minimal clicks to find essential information
Real-Time Feedback: Loading states and error handling

🤖 AI Integration

Bridge AI leverages Anthropic's Claude to provide:

Context-aware service recommendations
Natural language understanding of user needs
Weather and time-sensitive suggestions
Personalized assistance based on location data
Emergency situation awareness and appropriate responses

📊 Impact & Use Cases

Primary Users

Individuals experiencing homelessness seeking immediate resources
Social workers helping clients find services
Community organizers mapping available resources
Emergency responders connecting people to assistance
Newcomers to an area unfamiliar with local services

Real-World Applications

Crisis Response: Quick access to shelters during extreme weather
Daily Needs: Finding food banks and community kitchens
Job Seeking: Locating employment services and career centers
Healthcare Access: Discovering free and low-cost medical clinics
Basic Amenities: Finding public restrooms, Wi-Fi, and water sources

🚀 Future Enhancements

Multi-language Support: Serve diverse communities
User Accounts: Save favorite locations and preferences
Community Reviews: User-generated content about services
Real-Time Availability: Live updates on capacity and wait times
Transportation Integration: Public transit directions
Mobile App: Native iOS and Android applications
Offline Mode: Cached data for areas with poor connectivity

🤝 Contributing

We welcome contributions! Here's how to get involved:

Fork the repository
Create a feature branch: git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature
Commit changes: git commit -m 'Add amazing feature'
Push to branch: git push origin feature/amazing-feature
Open a Pull Request

Development Guidelines

Follow existing code style and conventions
Add tests for new features
Update documentation as needed
Ensure mobile responsiveness
Test with various API scenarios

📝 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

🙏 Acknowledgments

Fengbo Wang - My incredible teammate who made this project possible and helped provide the initial idea
UC Berkeley AI Hackathon for the opportunity and platform
Anthropic for Claude AI API access
Google for Maps and Places API services
OpenWeatherMap for weather data integration
Open source community for the amazing tools and libraries

Bridge AI - Connecting communities to essential services through the power of artificial intelligence. 🌉✨

Analysis

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Metric

Minggang Li
41

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Technology

Found in codeClaimed only

CSSIn code
ExpressIn code
HTMLIn code
JavaScriptIn code
ReactIn code
Tailwind CSSIn code
OpenAIClaimed

6 of 7 appear in the indexed code. 1 claimed on Devpost could not be matched to code, which may simply mean the tool leaves no trace in the repository.

AI coding agents

No AI coding agent signals were found in this repository.

Detected from committed agent config files and commit authorship. Absence of a signal is not proof an agent was unused.

Codebase size

Source size

40 KB

Source files

Counts recognized source files only; vendored directories, binaries and lockfiles are excluded, so this is smaller than the repository on disk.