Homonium wins Rep. Lloyd Doggett’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Texas’ 37th District

When asked what inspired the creation of Homonym, the students said, “Our inspiration for creating Homonium came from a shared realization that too many people, especially those from vulnerable or underserved communities, struggle to access affordable legal assistance for common legal issues. As a team, we were particularly moved by the stories of people who face serious legal challenges—like domestic violence, workplace discrimination, or immigration-related concerns—without the knowledge or resources to seek help.

We’ve seen how the legal system can be overwhelming, complicated, and expensive for individuals who don’t have legal expertise. This is especially true for people in low-income households or immigrant communities who might not have the financial means to hire a lawyer or navigate the legal system on their own. We wanted to build something that could address this gap, offering legal knowledge and tools to those who need it the most.

Our team was also motivated by the belief that legal aid should not be a privilege for the few but a right for all. Every individual should have access to basic legal help, whether it’s understanding their rights as tenants, reporting workplace violations, or securing safety from domestic violence. Homonium was created to fulfill this vision—an app that provides free, instant, and reliable legal support to those who need it, no matter their financial situation.

We aimed to leverage technology, particularly AI, to make legal aid more accessible. By providing a platform that users can access anytime, from anywhere, we hope to make a difference in how legal services are distributed, breaking down barriers that prevent many from getting the help they deserve.”