Three high school students—Viraj Sheel and Arnav Gopinath of Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugar Land, Texas, and Konrad Fisher of Michigan—have collaborated on a unique project that combines technology, education, and social advocacy. Their mobile application, Home Of My Own, now available on the Apple App Store, represents the digital transformation of a powerful educational board game originally created by the nonprofit Fort Bend Family Promise.
The original Home Of My Own board game was developed as an educational tool to simulate the hidden realities of homelessness. By placing players in real-world scenarios, the game aims to illuminate the precarious line between stability and homelessness. Players are asked to navigate challenges such as sudden job loss, unexpected medical expenses, transportation breakdowns, and the lack of critical documentation—all common and often underestimated factors that can lead to housing insecurity. The game’s goal is not only to inform but also to build empathy and encourage proactive support for affected individuals and families.
Recognizing the potential to expand the game’s reach, Sheel, Gopinath, and Fisher set out to create a mobile version. With no prior professional experience in app development, the students undertook the project with determination and a shared vision: to make the lessons of the board game accessible to a wider audience, especially younger generations who increasingly engage through digital platforms.
The result of their efforts is a mobile app that closely mirrors the original board game’s educational framework, while enhancing accessibility through smartphones. Though the app remains in beta, it includes interactive scenarios, game mechanics rooted in real-world decision-making, and an integrated “Donate” feature. This donation link connects users directly with Fort Bend Family Promise, offering a pathway for immediate action and support. Through this function, players who are moved by the game’s message can contribute to the organization’s mission of serving families experiencing homelessness.
The project received strong community backing throughout its development. The students expressed particular gratitude to Ms. Vera Johnson and the Fort Bend Family Promise team, crediting their mentorship and trust as instrumental to the app’s completion. According to the team, the nonprofit’s faith in their ability—even in the face of technical inexperience—was foundational to the project’s success.
In recognition of their work, Sheel, Gopinath, and Fisher were honored during the Fort Bend Family Promise Annual Fundraiser in Fall 2024. Their story was also featured in the Fall 2024 edition of Fort Bend ISD Magazine on page 12. These accolades highlighted not only the technical achievement of developing a working mobile application but also the broader social impact of using digital tools for advocacy.
The students have made it clear that the project was driven by purpose rather than perfection. “As students, we may not have had all the skills, but we were determined to make a meaningful impact. We are incredibly grateful to Fort Bend Family Promise for giving us the opportunity to transform a simple idea into something that can help raise awareness for such an important cause,” said Viraj Sheel.
The app’s gameplay is designed to engage players in decision-making that reflects the fragile economic balance many families face. In doing so, it offers a form of experiential learning that deepens understanding beyond traditional classroom instruction or media coverage. The developers hope this approach will foster both empathy and awareness among users who might not otherwise encounter the realities of homelessness in their own lives.
By turning an educational board game into a mobile app, the team has created a scalable, replicable model for youth-led digital activism. While Home Of My Own is simple in its current form, its broader implications are significant. It demonstrates how students can contribute meaningfully to social issues through accessible technology and community support.
The project reflects an evolving trend in which students are not only digital consumers but also creators and changemakers. Their initiative underscores the importance of experiential education and civic engagement, particularly in a time when technology can serve as a bridge to understanding complex social challenges. Through their efforts, Sheel, Gopinath, and Fisher have expanded the reach of Fort Bend Family Promise’s original vision and offered a template for future innovation by socially conscious youth.
In their own words, the students summarized their journey with humility and intent: “This was never about perfection. It was about doing something that matters. We hope others are inspired to create, care, and act.”
For more on the Home Of My Own project, the game demo is available here. Coverage of the students’ recognition at the Fort Bend Family Promise Annual Fundraiser can be viewed here, and the article from the Fall 2024 FBISD Magazine can be read on page 12.