From Housing to Healthcare: How Digital Transformation Bridges Gaps for Rural and Underserved Communities

In the face of crisis, the difference between hope and hardship often comes down to access—access to housing, healthcare, and the digital tools that connect people to essential services. For rural and underserved communities, these gaps are not just statistics; they are daily realities that shape lives and futures. At Publicis Sapient, we believe digital transformation is the bridge that can close these divides, delivering dignity, equity, and opportunity where it’s needed most.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of traditional support systems. As job losses mounted and families faced eviction, agencies struggled to process a surge of emergency rental assistance applications. Paper forms, manual reviews, and siloed data left thousands at risk of homelessness. The challenge was clear: how could help reach those in need—fast, equitably, and at scale?

Publicis Sapient partnered with local organizations to reimagine aid delivery. By building a cloud-based, mobile-first platform, we enabled:

• Intuitive, guided applications accessible from any device, anywhere
• Automated eligibility checks and document collection to speed up approvals
• Real-time data access for staff and partners, ensuring no one fell through the cracks
• Omnichannel support, including online, mobile, and call center access, so digital literacy or broadband gaps didn’t become barriers

The results were transformative. In North Carolina alone, $75 million in rent relief was distributed in a single year, keeping more than 11,000 families in their homes. The platform’s scalability meant that, as demand surged, no one was left behind. For families like Kirsten’s—featured in an Academy Award-winning short film—the difference was life-changing: “The boxes I had packed for my eviction are now going to my new home. I am set. My kids are set. New house, new career. New beginning.”

The same principles that enabled rapid, equitable rental assistance are now transforming healthcare access in rural America. In regions where the nearest hospital may be hours away and broadband is unreliable, digital innovation is a lifeline.

The documentary ‘Doc Albany’ brings this to life, following Dr. Jim Hotz and Dr. Sheena Favors as they serve 55,000 patients across 30 sites in Southwest Georgia. Their community health center, owned by its patients, is a model of care for those often left behind. But even the most dedicated providers need support—and that’s where digital transformation steps in.

Publicis Sapient partnered with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to modernize its digital infrastructure. By replacing a 35-year-old mainframe with a cloud-based, data-driven platform, HRSA tripled its processing capacity, saved millions, and—most importantly—enabled the rapid placement of healthcare professionals in high-need areas. The new system:

• Streamlines clinician recruitment and placement through tools like the Health Workforce Connector, a “LinkedIn for doctors” that matches providers to communities in need
• Enables mobile-first, offline-capable access so rural clinics and applicants can connect even with limited connectivity
• Delivers real-time insights for strategic investments and policy decisions, ensuring resources reach the most vulnerable

The impact is tangible: over 21,000 healthcare providers now serve more than 21 million patients, with 85% remaining in underserved areas beyond their required term. As Dr. Favors notes, “You shouldn’t have to live in New York City to be healthy!”

For rural and underserved communities, digital equity means more than just internet access. It means:

• Mobile-first design: Recognizing that many rely on smartphones as their primary device, platforms are optimized for small screens, intuitive navigation, and low-bandwidth environments.
• Offline capabilities: Applications and resources can be downloaded, completed, and synced when connectivity returns, ensuring continuity of service.
• Omnichannel support: Services are available online, by phone, and through trusted local partners—community health centers, libraries, and nonprofits—so no one is excluded by geography or digital literacy.

These innovations are not just technical upgrades; they are enablers of dignity and independence. For seniors like Margaret, living alone in a rural community, a guided online application meant the difference between isolation and support. What once seemed insurmountable—navigating complex forms, traveling hours for help—is now manageable, dignified, and effective.

The link between housing and health is undeniable. Stable housing reduces stress, supports better health outcomes, and enables families to pursue education and employment. Digital transformation amplifies these benefits by making services more accessible, responsive, and equitable.

Across sectors, three core principles drive impact:

1. Centralized Data: Breaking down silos so staff can access complete, accurate information in real time
2. Workflow Automation: Streamlining processes to reduce manual work and speed up service delivery
3. Holistic, People-Centric Support: Addressing the full spectrum of needs—housing, healthcare, financial assistance—through integrated, user-friendly platforms

Digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about people. By putting empathy, accessibility, and partnership at the center, Publicis Sapient is helping agencies and organizations bridge the gaps that have long divided rural and underserved communities from the support they deserve.

Are you ready to reimagine your impact? Let’s work together to build digital solutions that change lives, strengthen communities, and set new standards for public service—across housing, healthcare, and beyond.

Contact Publicis Sapient today to start your journey toward digital transformation for social good.

Relevant Links

• From Eviction to Empowerment: A Family's Journey Through Crisis and Hope
• From Eviction to Empowerment: A Family's Journey Through Crisis and Hope
• La transformation numérique de l’assistance au logement d’urgence : un levier d’équité et de résilience pour l’Europe (Europe)
• A Closer Look: Digital Transformation in Emergency Rental Assistance for Seniors and People with Disabilities
• Transformación Digital en la Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia: Un Camino para la Equidad en América Latina (LATAM)
• Transformación digital en la asistencia de alquiler de emergencia: Un nuevo horizonte para las comunidades rurales y desatendidas de América Latina (LATAM)