Expanding Access to Essential Services:
Introducing AAI’s Catapult Connect Mobile App

Access to help shouldn’t depend on luck, long wait times, or knowing exactly where to look. Yet for many vulnerable youth, that’s exactly what happens.

Across the country, critical services already exist—food pantries, shelters, WiFi access, health clinics, mental health support, transportation, and more. But these resources are often scattered across multiple agencies, websites, and phone numbers. Information can be outdated. Systems don’t always connect. And when someone is in crisis, even small barriers can mean the difference between getting help or going without it.

At American Access Institute (AAI), we believe access is opportunity — and opportunity should be simple to find.

That’s why we’re excited to announce that, in collaboration with UNLV, we have been developing Catapult Connect, a cross-platform mobile app designed to connect youth and families with essential local resources quickly, reliably, and equitably.

Closing the Gap Between Need and Support

For individuals navigating housing instability, food insecurity, or health challenges, time matters. Searching multiple websites or making dozens of phone calls isn’t realistic — especially for young people without consistent internet access or reliable devices.

Catapult Connect closes this gap by bringing verified, up-to-date community resources together in one centralized platform.

Instead of asking people to navigate a fragmented system, the app meets them where they are.

With just a few taps, users can find nearby support using their ZIP code or real-time geolocation — locating help in seconds, not hours.

Designed for Accessibility First

AAI built Catapult Connect with one principle in mind: accessibility cannot be an afterthought.

The app works seamlessly across iOS and Android smartphones including legacy and lower-bandwidth devices.

This ensures users can access critical information regardless of technology constraints or internet limitations.

Because access only works if everyone can actually use it.

Smart Technology That Simplifies Searching

Using AI-driven interactive mapping, Catapult Connect displays nearby resources clearly and intuitively. Instead of scrolling through long directories, users immediately see what’s available around them — organized by distance and type of need.

Resources are grouped into two straightforward tiers to make navigation simple and stress-free:

Tier One – Essential Needs

Immediate, day-to-day necessities:

Housing and shelters

Food pantries

Transportation

WiFi access

Tier Two – Health and Stabilization

Services that support long-term wellbeing:

Family planning services

Hygiene and warming stations

Mental health and substance use support

Medical and dental clinics

This structure helps users address urgent needs first while also planning for ongoing stability.

Built for Communities, Not Just Individuals

Launching Nationwide

Initial deployment will include more than 20 major cities, with additional communities added as the platform expands.
Cities include:

1. Chicago
2. Las Vegas
3. Los Angeles
4. Miami
5. New York City
6. Palo Alto / San Francisco
7. Phoenix
8. Portland
9. San Diego
10. Seattle
11. Philadelphia
12. Denver
13. Houston
14. Columbus
15. Charlotte
16. Dallas
17. Washington, D.C.
18. Boston
19. Nashville
20. Minneapolis

The first public release is scheduled for late spring and will be available on both iOS and Android.

Moving From Information to Opportunity

At AAI, we know information alone isn’t enough — what matters is whether people can act on it.

Catapult Connect removes friction, reduces confusion, and transforms resources into real, usable opportunities.

Because when access is clear and immediate, outcomes improve — for youth, families, and entire communities.

Learn more about Catapult Connect and AAI’s work:
https://americanaccessinstitute.org/