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iHobo returns

May 12 2011
A new version of the controversial iPhone app has been released


A new version of the controversial iPhone app that allows users to care for a “virtual homeless person” has been released by charity Depaul UK.

iHobo, which can be downloaded free by iPhone users, was originally launched to some criticism in May 2010 but has gone on to win a number of awards, as well as becoming the most popular charity app in the UK. It has been downloaded more than 600,000 times since it was released last year, raising £13,000 through donations from 5,000 users.

However, critics have voiced concerns that iHobo stereotypes young homeless people.

But Rachel Slade from the charity said: “The idea is to give people an insight into what life could be like for a young homeless person and engage them with the issue of homelessness in a completely new way. Many people have said that the app has made them think about homelessness for the first time, and change their stereotypes and perceptions.

“We understand that the app was controversial. However, we took a risk with it. We needed it to stand out in an over saturated market, ignite conversations and engage people.” iPhone users that install the iHobo application on their phones must spend three days caring for a young homeless person, offering food, money or emotional support.

Paul Marriott, chief executive of Depaul UK, said the app aimed to increase awareness of youth homelessness and attract new donors.

“The future for young people is worrying at the moment, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged,” he said.

“There is a real fear that young people sleeping on the streets will increase over the next five years, and we hope this app will help us communicate the severity of this issue to the general public,” added Marriott.

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