I've been working on an idea that's still taking shape, but I wanted to start sharing it to get feedback and build momentum.
The core concept is an app designed to improve safety for women and non-binary people, starting with housing.
In Boston, like many cities, a lot of rentals aren’t managed by companies with oversight or formal policies. They're often handled by individual landlords who aren't accountable to any larger structure. Without protections like anti-discrimination policies or formal tenant relations teams, women and non-binary renters are more likely to face inappropriate or unsafe situations.
This app would allow people to share honest experiences with landlords and rentals: what made them feel safe, what didn’t, and what others should know before signing a lease. It's not just about complaints. It’s about transparency, community knowledge, and safety.
In my own case, the last place we lived had broken windows, mold, and doors that didn’t close. We were told it would all be fixed before move-in. It never was. We eventually discovered the landlord's brother worked for the city permit office, and our part of the house hadn’t been legally converted or inspected. The rules that are supposed to protect tenants didn’t help us at all.
That’s what pushed me to start thinking: maybe we need a platform that doesn’t just highlight bad actors, but also uplifts the good ones. A place where renters can learn to spot red flags, advocate for themselves, and support each other.
And I believe this model could grow beyond housing, to medical care, mental health, childcare, and other systems where vulnerable people often fall through the cracks.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect.