This is a whole subfield of work to determine the needs of a given population. Tech tools might help estimate needs before formal needs assessments can be conducted.
The Local Needs Databank (UK) is an open set of needs and Covid-19 data, specifically about those in financial hardship in the UK.
In the midst of an immigration crisis on the US-Mexico border, Code for America, Codeando México, and The GovLab organized online listening sessions to help determine areas of need and where the civic tech community might help.