Albertans Mobilize to Support COVID Needs Using HelpSeeker Technology
69,000 hits for help in the last 30 days on the HelpSeeker.org apps with more COVID supports coming online
CALGARY, April 17, 2020 /CNW/ - When the COVID crisis took hold in March, Calgary-based social enterprise company HelpSeeker issued a Call to Action to communities across the country: identify all organizations and businesses that are providing support and services during the COVID-19 crisis, and get these listed on the HelpSeeker apps for everyone to find quickly.
Already, hundreds of organizations and businesses have updated and added their information to HelpSeeker.org, showing how communities come together in times of need. In the last 30 days, HelpSeeker.org saw a tripling of interactions to 69,000 in Alberta alone compared to the month of February. Looking at the top needs overall, there was a jump in people looking at education/training, food and housing, as well mental health and addictions supports. When HelpSeeker honed in on the top COVID needs specifically, Alberta's top needs were addiction, abuse, mental health and food -- confirming government focus in these key areas.
The numbers are showing increased demand, and what's been encouraging has also been the community stepping up. Just over 840 new COVID services registered on HelpSeeker in Alberta to date. "We have been amazed by the ingenuity and generosity of Albertans and Canadians across the country: everyone from cultural and faith communities to businesses, and the charitable sector have come together to offer help. All we are doing is offering a free mobile app experience to connect those offering help to those looking for it," says HelpSeeker CEO & Co-Founder, Dr. Alina Turner.
By creating a searchable tag for COVID and opening up the ability to list supports and services to the general community, this resource is helping create a comprehensive list of available services by encouraging those offering services the ability to populate the site with their information. "There's no way any one group can keep up with the speed of change happening right now; this is the time for innovative technology solutions that uses crowdsourcing to get us through this crisis - we are thankful to have the opportunity to pitch in," notes Jenny Cull, VP Community Engagement.
If you're interested in participating in the Call to Action, go to HelpSeeker.org and add your service at no cost. For anyone struggling, download the app or go to HelpSeeker.org to find support free and anonymously.
About HelpSeeker: HelpSeeker is a Calgary-based social enterprise that supports social innovation through technology, research, and community development. Their help navigation apps and website are being used in over 100 communities across Canada and now being leveraged to support COVID responses.
For interviews/comments connect with Dr. Alina Turner, CEO of HelpSeeker - 403-827-8722, [email protected]
SOURCE HelpSeeker Inc
Josie Cassidy, Communications Lead, HelpSeeker, [email protected], 403-4790885
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