Boston Healthcare for the Homeless (BHCHP) stands at a unique intersection in the healthcare landscape. Operating as both a nonprofit organization and a working hospital, BHCHP serves as a vital lifeline for those experiencing homelessness in Boston. With over 30 clinical sites located in shelters and through street outreach, they provide comprehensive medical care, behavioral health services, and support for youth and families.
"We are a unique organization," explains Bradford Akerman, Director of Technology at BHCHP. "We are a nonprofit. We are a community resource. We are also a working hospital." This multifaceted approach allows their dedicated team to work with nearly 10,000 individuals annually, making them an essential safety net for Boston's homeless population.
So where does Joan fit into this picture of passionate healthcare and limited resources? Let's hear how our technology found its place among the sirens.
When every space matters
Nonprofits understand scarcity intimately—not just in funding but in physical space. BHCHP operates from two main buildings positioned around the corner from each other, where every room serves multiple critical functions.
"We use these meeting rooms also for lunchrooms," Akerman notes.
Before Joan, the organization struggled with a common workplace challenge: how do you efficiently manage limited space when everyone needs it?
A partnership built on innovation
For BHCHP, technology adoption is always viewed through the lens of advancing their mission. "We are always looking for partners that can help us with our mission," says Akerman. "One of our five core attributes is innovation."
When searching for a room booking solution, several of Joan Room's features immediately stood out to the BHCHP team. The system's rechargeability and minimal power requirements were particularly appealing. "One of the unique features is just even how it's mounted," Akerman notes. "Many systems require a PoE mounting system. We like the fact that we can simply recharge them. We like the fact that the energy requirements are more like a Kindle."
Transforming space management
With about 10 Joan devices deployed across their buildings, BHCHP transformed their approach to space management.
"When we partnered with Joan, this was really a new chapter for us because before we weren't leveraging technology to keep track of assets like rooms," Akerman reveals.
The impact goes beyond convenience. It reinforces community expectations and workplace culture.
"Joan helps us ensure policies are enforced, nurtures our community culture, and boosts morale because people can count on spaces being available when they need them."
While some organizations might use Joan's full suite of features, BHCHP focuses on what matters most to them: simple, reliable room booking.
Doing more with less
For organizations like BHCHP that often have to "do more with little," finding the right technological solutions is critical. The simplicity and reliability of Joan's system have made it an ideal fit for their needs.
"Organizations like ours are often in scarcity around resources, scarcity around working spaces," Akerman explains. "Joan is a really wonderful solution that is easy to install, easy to maintain. It's quite elegant, and it's brought a lot of joy to our users because it's easy to use."
Elevating essential services with smart technology
The Boston Healthcare for the Homeless story demonstrates how the right technology can empower organizations doing vital work in our communities. By streamlining room management with Joan, BHCHP can focus more energy on their core mission: providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare to those who need it most.
Want to know how Joan can transform your workspace? Let's talk.