Photo Credit: HelpSeeker Facebook page

By Shane Clausing

HelpSeeker App

United Way of Alberta Northwest & City of Grande Prairie partner to rollout new app

May 8, 2020 | 5:00 AM

The United Way of Alberta Northwest and the City of Grande Prairie have partnered together to rollout a new app called HelpSeeker.

HelpSeeker, an app that is used throughout many cities around the world, is an online directory to help make positive changes in the community by improving access to social services and supports.

Some of these services and supports on the app include organizations like the Rotary House, Salvation Army Food Bank, Health Services in the region and the United Way of Northwest Alberta. There are currently more than 700 organizations within the city registered on the app.

Both the City of Grande Prairie and the United Way of Alberta Northwest have been working on this app for the last six months.

Jamie Craig with the United Way of Alberta Northwest says that this app really can have a positive impact on organizations and vulnerable people in Grande Prairie, especially during COVID-19.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“Our area doesn’t actually have 211 like a lot of the province. That is the phone number people call to find out where they can access services, so the HelpSeeker app is huge right now. We’re just trying to get it out there and let people know that the app is available for them. With a cell phone and wi-fi you could really access anything through the app.”

When using the app, you can type in a charity or organization that you’re looking for. Once the place you are looking for appears, you can click on it and it gives you all the information that you need including hours of operation, reviews, phone numbers and websites.

Craig adds that partnering with the city helps them utilize the app to the best of its abilities.

“It’s a really good program and I think the idea is to keep adding to it and getting organizations to keep entering their data in there. Even after COVID-19 this app will be around for a long time.”

Right now the United Way is working with community partners to get them to update their agencies specifically to COVID-19. This way, organizations in the city can continue to keep their information up to date and avoid any confusion with the public.

The app is available on the App Store, Google Play Store or wherever you get your apps. Those who don’t have a cell phone can access the app from the HelpSeeker website.