Back to Documentation

Participant User Guide

User Guide

Your complete guide to using SHELTR-AI as a donation recipient - from QR codes to digital wallets to housing independence

Version 2.0β€’Updated September 21, 2025β€’LIVE PLATFORM

Welcome to SHELTR-AI

You are at the heart of the SHELTR-AI platform. This guide will help you understand how to use the system to receive donations, manage your profile, and track your progress toward stability and independence.

SHELTR-AI is a platform that connects you directly with people who want to help. When someone scans your personal QR code, they can instantly donate money that goes directly to your digital wallet - no delays, no intermediaries.

πŸš€ Getting Started

🏠Option A: Through a Partner Shelter
The recommended path with support from shelter staff
  • 1.Visit a partner shelter that works with SHELTR-AI
  • 2.Speak with staff about joining the platform
  • 3.Provide basic information (name, contact, needs)
  • 4.Complete verification with shelter staff assistance
  • 5.Receive your QR code and wallet setup
πŸ“±Option B: Independent Registration
Direct registration through our mobile app
  • 1.Download the SHELTR-AI mobile app (iOS/Android)
  • 2.Create your account with email or phone number
  • 3.Complete your profile with basic information
  • 4.Submit verification documents (ID, proof of situation)
  • 5.Wait for approval (usually 24-48 hours)
  • 6.Receive your QR code and digital wallet

How SHELTR SmartFundβ„’ Works for You

Every donation automatically builds your future - no effort required!

1. Show Your QR Code
Your unique, secure digital ID
Ready instantly
πŸ’°
2. Receive Donation
Someone scans and donates any amount
Instant & secure
80%
Your Immediate Access
Stable SHELTR-S tokens
Use right away for needs
15%
Your Housing Fund
Automatically invested
Growing towards permanent housing
5%
Platform Support
Supports platform operations
Keeps SHELTR running
🏠
3. Your Housing Fund Grows
Passive savings accumulating for your transition out
Automatic & compound

πŸ’‘ The Magic

You don't have to do anything special. Every donation automatically creates immediate support AND builds your future housing fund. The more people who donate, the faster you reach housing independence!

🏠 SHELTR Ecosystem Benefits

Every donation to you also contributes to long-term solutions. 15% of every donation goes to a housing fund that accumulates over time across all participants, funding permanent housing solutions in your area.

🏠PODS (Portable Emergency Housing)
Rapid deployment emergency shelter units
  • β€’Emergency shelter units deployed rapidly
  • β€’Fully equipped with power, water, climate control
  • β€’Secure and dignified temporary housing
  • β€’Available for emergencies and transitions
🚴MOBI (Electric Transportation)
Electric mountain bikes for mobility needs
  • β€’Electric mountain bikes for transportation
  • β€’Job interview transportation and services access
  • β€’Mobile service delivery to your location
  • β€’Emergency communication and support
🚁Drone Delivery System
Emergency supply delivery within 15-30 minutes
  • β€’Emergency supply delivery within 15-30 minutes
  • β€’Medical supplies, food, essentials delivered directly
  • β€’GPS-precise delivery to your location
  • β€’Available 24/7 for emergency situations
Platform Onboarding
Step-by-step registration and setup process
  • βœ“Account creation and verification
  • βœ“Profile setup and documentation
  • βœ“Welcome bonus activation (100 SHELTR-S tokens)
  • βœ“Security settings configuration
  • βœ“Interactive platform tutorial walkthrough
QR Code & Digital Wallet
Managing your digital identity and funds securely
  • βœ“Understanding your unique QR code (your digital ID)
  • βœ“SHELTR-S wallet management (stable, secure tokens)
  • βœ“Receiving donations instantly
  • βœ“Transaction history tracking
  • βœ“Privacy protection & security best practices
Service Access
Discovering and using available support services
  • βœ“Service directory navigation
  • βœ“Booking appointments and resources
  • βœ“Emergency assistance access
  • βœ“Progress tracking towards housing goals
  • βœ“Feedback and rating system
πŸ†˜Support Resources
Getting help when you need it most
  • βœ“24/7 support hotline access
  • βœ“Direct case worker communication
  • βœ“Peer support groups and community
  • βœ“Crisis intervention services
  • βœ“Comprehensive community resource directory

⚠️ Safety & Privacy

πŸ›‘οΈPersonal Safety Guidelines
Essential safety practices for all interactions
  • βœ“Never meet donors in private locations
  • βœ“Use public spaces for any interactions
  • βœ“Trust your instincts about situations
  • βœ“Report suspicious behavior immediately
  • βœ“Let shelter staff know your location
πŸ”’Privacy Protection
Your personal information is always protected
  • βœ“Only first name is public
  • βœ“No personal address shared
  • βœ“Optional photo for your profile
  • βœ“You control what information to share
  • βœ“Donors cannot track your location

πŸ“žReporting Issues

Emergency
Call 911
Immediate
Harassment
Report in app
2-4 hours
Technical
Help chat
1 hour
General
Support email
24 hours

Quick Reference

Emergency Support

Call 911 for immediate emergencies

Crisis Support: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

Homeless Services: 211 (dial 2-1-1)

SHELTR-AI Support

Technical Help: help@sheltr.ai

User Support: support@sheltr.ai

Emergency Line: 1-800-SHELTR-AI

Your Journey Forward

You are not defined by your current situation

Every donation represents someone who believes in you

🌟 Your Journey Forward

Success Stories from Other Participants

β€œStarted with food donations, saved up enough for a job interview outfit, got hired, and now have my own apartment!”

β€” Maria, Los Angeles

β€œThe housing fund helped me get into transitional housing. Having an address made all the difference for getting services.”

β€” James, Seattle
Immediate (1-30 days)
  • β€’ Secure basic daily needs
  • β€’ Establish safe routine
  • β€’ Build emergency fund
Short-term (1-6 months)
  • β€’ Access stable temporary housing
  • β€’ Connect with job training
  • β€’ Build support network
Long-term (6+ months)
  • β€’ Secure permanent housing
  • β€’ Achieve stable employment
  • β€’ Give back to community

🏠 You Have the Strength to Overcome

You are not defined by your current situation. SHELTR-AI is here to support you every step of the way toward stability and independence.

Direct
Connection to donors
No delays, no intermediaries
80%
Goes directly to you
15% builds your housing fund
24/7
Support and assistance
Help when you need it most

Every donation represents someone who believes in you and wants to help you succeed. You have the strength to overcome your current challenges.

✨ SHELTR-AI is a tool to help you on your journey toward stability and independence ✨