Current Date: 26 Jan, 2026
{{entry.title}}

Leo Grand: from homeless to mobile app developer

In 2013, A young programmer offered a homeless man the choice between $100 cash or coding lessons. Leo Grand chose the lessons, and his first mobile app was “Trees for Cars," which helps drivers find carpooling partners.

Leo Grand, a homeless man, learned how to code with the assistance of Patrick McConlogue, a programmer. When Patrick saw Leo sitting on the sidewalk in New York City in 2013, he gave him the option of accepting $100 cash or a cheap laptop and coding classes.

Leo Grand from homeless to mobile app developer 2
Photo Credit: Facebook

Leo decided on a laptop and lessons, and Patrick taught him how to code over the course of several months. They collaborated to create the “Trees for Cars” software, which facilitates carpooling. Leo worked long hours, frequently staying up late to code.

When the software was finally complete, Patrick assisted Leo in releasing it on the Apple App Store. The app garnered excellent reviews and was featured by media, including The New York Times and CNN.

Leo Grand from homeless to mobile app developer 4
photo credit: Facebook

Leo’s story captured the nation’s attention and motivated a lot of individuals. He later discussed his transition from being homeless to being an app developer in speeches at TEDx events and other conferences. His life is a tribute to the value of learning and mentoring, as well as to the possibility for anyone, from any background or situation, to learn and do something worthwhile.

Trees for Cars App – Available on iOS & Android – YouTube

Leo’s mobile applications

Leo Grand from homeless to mobile app developer 1
Leo Grand, a homeless man who was given four weeks of coding lessons, released his “Trees for Cars” app. Photo credit: ITUNES STORE

The “Trees for Cars” app appears to be no longer accessible through the Apple App Store. The app’s ending is unclear, however, Leo or Patrick may have removed it for a number of reasons, including maintenance issues, a lack of financing or support, or simply because they went on to other projects.

But, the popularity of “Trees for Cars” gave Leo chances and notoriety outside of the app. He continued to work on other projects while pursuing his passion for programming. “Human Resource Machine,” a puzzle game that Leo and Tomorrow Company released in 2016, has garnered positive reviews and can be found on a variety of platforms, including Steam and the Nintendo Switch.

Eventually, even though the “Trees for Cars” app is no longer accessible, Leo’s inspiring tale and his ascent to the position of app developer serve as a reminder of the transformational potential of education and mentoring.

What happened to Leo Grand?

Leo Grand’s current activities and location are unknown. There hasn’t been much news about him in the media since his tale first made headlines around the country a few years ago.

Leo appears to be passionate about coding and is still pursuing his interests in technology based on his prior appearances and interviews, nevertheless. Leo has stated an interest in creating further apps and games in the future, in addition to “Trees for Cars” and “Human Resource Machine.”

Leo Grand from homeless to mobile app developer 3
Robert Libetti/ Business Insider

It’s also important to note that Leo’s tale has motivated a lot of people and has served as an illustration of the transforming potential of mentoring and education for those facing homelessness or other difficulties. His tale serves as a reminder that anyone can overcome their circumstances and accomplish their goals with effort, commitment, and support.

Similar Stories
The fearless Annie Lee Cooper

The fearless Annie Lee Cooper

Annie Lee Cooper was fired in 1963 after attempting to register to vote. She attempted it once more in 1965, but the sheriff ordered her to leave after prodding her in the neck with a club. She then punched him, causing him to fall to the ground. She was imprisoned before ultimately registering to vote. Following the passage of the Voting Rights Act, the sheriff was ousted and subsequently imprisoned for collaborating to transport drugs, but Annie Lee Cooper lived to reach 100 years old and bears her name to this day.

Missing Masterpiece Discovered in the Background of ‘Stuart Little’

Missing Masterpiece Discovered in the Background of ‘Stuart Little’

In 2009, Gergely Barki, an art historian, was watching the film Stuart Little (1999) when he spotted an original long-lost painting used as a prop. Called Sleeping Lady with Black Vase, this painting was the work of Hungarian avant-garde painter Róbert Berény. The painting had been considered lost after World War II.

Who invented the three-point seat belt?

Who invented the three-point seat belt?

While employed by Volvo in 1959, Swidish engineer Nils Bohlin created the three-point safety belt. Volvo first had the design patented, but soon as they discovered its importance as a new safety measure, they made the patent open to everyone. Millions of lives were genuinely spared by Volvo’s gift to the world.

How hero parrot saved little girl who was choking on her breakfast

How hero parrot saved little girl who was choking on her breakfast

In 2008 Quaker parrot Willie alerted his owner Megan Howard when the little girl she was babysitting began to choke. Howard was in the bathroom when the parrot repeatedly yelled "Mama! Baby!" flapping his wings. Megan rushed and performed the Heimlich maneuver, saving her life. Willie received the Red Cross Animal Lifesaver Award.

The accidentally discovery of Riace bronzes

The accidentally discovery of Riace bronzes

Stefano Mariottini was snorkeling off the coast of Monasterace near Riace in 1972 when he noticed a human hand sticking out of the sand and called the police, thinking it was a corpse. It was actually two statues of "Warriors from Riace" - 5th century BC Greek bronze statues.

How 'Brad's Drink' Became Pepsi-Cola

How 'Brad's Drink' Became Pepsi-Cola

Pepsi was first introduced as “Brad’s Drink” in New Bern, North Carolina, United States, in 1893 by Caleb Bradham, who made it at his drugstore where the drink was sold. It was renamed Pepsi Cola in 1898, named after the digestive enzyme pepsin and kola nuts used in the recipe.

The world’s longest flight spent more than two months in the air

The world’s longest flight spent more than two months in the air

Roberts Timm and Jim Cook, two pilots, flew an aircraft for more than two months without landing in 1958. Matching the speed of a truck moving down the road to refuel. A mattress for sleeping, a small steel sink for personal hygiene, the removal of most interior fittings to reduce weight, and a basic autopilot were among the improvements.