The Village of Homewood’s new app, Home Sweet Homewood, has been available for download to the public since April 1. 

According to Antonia Steinmiller, community engagement manager of Homewood, the app has reached 786 downloads by the end of April. 

“Our goal is to get rid of the ‘I wish I had known’ to ‘thanks for the heads-up!’” Steinmiller said, adding, “The more residents who download the app, the more informed and connected our community becomes.” 

Steinmiller describes the app as an extension of the village website, containing the most frequently searched items “front and center,” she said. These include utility bill payments and community events, as well as permits and forms, she said. 

As noted by Steinmiller, the app also features a Eat Homewood Dining Guide and Downtown Homewood Business Directory that users can download, plus interactive parking maps. 

Users can also submit a report for neighborhood issues using the app’s “Start a Request” tool. Residents will have the ability to track their request and staff can respond directly, Steinmiller said. 

Geography specific location features are also something that is in the works, she said. 

“For example, if there is a main break on Olive, we can target the messaging specifically for those folks who live on Olive and are directly affected,” Steinmiller said. 

One of the app’s most prominent features are the real-time push notifications, which instantly keep residents up to date, she said. 

According to Steinmiller, the app has received incredible feedback. 

“We’re thrilled that residents are finding it both user-friendly and helpful,” she said. 

A point that has come up is the ability to delete notifications from the app, since that is currently unavailable. While some are left posted for the purpose of ensuring new users can see them, the village does delete ones that are no longer relevant on a regular basis, Steinmiller said. 

As suggested through resident feedback, notifications have also been expanded to include police department updates as of April 26, she said. 

“Our goal is to ensure that no matter when a resident downloads the app, they’re connected and current,” Steinmiller said. 

To download, go to your phone’s app store and search “Home Sweet Homewood” and accept all notifications to stay in the loop.