Case Study: NowPow achieves real-time, scalable hyperlocal resource matching with Elastic

With Elasticsearch, NowPow connects the ‘caring ecosystem’ to people in need

NowPow is a Chicago-based startup that partners with health systems, health plans, and community organizations to connect patients with hyperlocal services for housing, food, employment, and other social needs. Serving over 174,000 care professionals across multiple states, the company was hampered by an outdated referral process—paper binders and a slow SQL Server/API-based system that could not match and deliver relevant resources in real time or by precise location.

NowPow moved its search and matching engine to Elasticsearch, enabling geo-location searches, rapid denormalized queries, and real-time rendering of results directly in the front end. The change produced instant, scalable search performance, solved core matching problems, strengthened NowPow’s competitive position, and earned the team recognition with an Elastic Cause Award.

NowPow

Michael Wolf

Head of Technology