Current Date: 27 Jul, 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
A U.S. Submarine Collides with a Japanese Fishing Ship in 2001

A U.S. Submarine Collides with a Japanese Fishing Ship in 2001

In 1998, 14-year-old Michael Crowe was charged with the murder of his sister. The police started targeting him after he seemed “distant and preoccupied” when his sister’s body was discovered, and during interrogation, police coercion led him to make a false confession. He was later declared factually innocent and the family won a lawsuit of $7.25 million in 2011.

JBJ Soul Kitchen: Bon Jovi's community restaurant

JBJ Soul Kitchen: Bon Jovi's community restaurant

JBJ Soul Kitchen is a community restaurant by Jon Bon Jovi with no prices on the menu; customers donate to pay for their meals. If you are unable to donate you may do volunteer work in exchange for your family’s meal.

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.

Australian man dies, comes back to life, and wins the lottery twice

Australian man dies, comes back to life, and wins the lottery twice

Bill Morgan, an Australian, is a man who has beat the odds. He escaped death by surviving a horrific automobile accident and heart attack before collapsing into a coma and going on to win the lotto twice. He went from losing virtually everything to winning far more than he could have imagined.

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.

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.

Billy Ray Harris: A Story of Kindness and Honesty

Billy Ray Harris: A Story of Kindness and Honesty

In 2013, a homeless man named Billy Ray Harris discovered a $4,000 engagement ring in this cup. A woman had dropped while giving him some change. He returned the ring to her two days later. To thank him for his honesty, she set up a fund with the goal of raising $4,000 for him. It earned more than $185,000.

Unique Dining table with a hole for your cat to peek and join you dinner.

Unique Dining table with a hole for your cat to peek and join you dinner.

Dinos, a Japanese internet shop, has launched a new range of cat furniture, which includes this oak table with a hole in the middle and a perch underneath. It places your cat companion in the center of the table, making your cat the main focus of your meal, as it should be, because cats are the true proprietors of “your” home.

The WWII Parachute Wedding Dress

The WWII Parachute Wedding Dress

Major Claude Hensinger jumped out of a B-29 bomber during World War II when the engine caught fire. He was saved by his parachute. Later, he requested that his fiancée Ruth make him a gown out of the same parachute. The dress is now on display at the Smithsonian Institute.

A subway in Chongqing passes through a building (images)

A subway in Chongqing passes through a building (images)

A train has been constructed through an apartment complex in Chongqing, China. The 19-story residential structure is not only passed by the light rail passenger train, but it also serves as a transit stop. Apartment residents can simply get a ride from the sixth to eighth levels.

How Magic Johnson Missed Out On $7 Billion Nike deal

How Magic Johnson Missed Out On $7 Billion Nike deal

Magic Johnson turned down a deal with Nike in 1979 that offered him 100,000 shares of stock and $1 for every pair of shoes sold. Instead, he chose Converse, which offered him $100,000 per year. Johnson lost about $5 billion by declining the Nike deal.