EDMONTON – Local organizations are going digital in an effort to provide better assistance for Edmontonians in need.
The Canadian Mental Health Association and EndPoverty Edmonton have launched an app aimed at providing information on resources like the Edmonton Food Bank and Hope Mission shelters.
LinkYEG.ca allows users to search for services broken down into nine categories, including clothing and essentials, health and medical, legal help, and family services.
“It’s always important to have good information. That’s power for people, and it’s what they can use to make change in their life,” said Ione Challborn, CMHA executive director.
The app also provides information on what services are open and available and how a user can get to their desired destination.
It doesn’t have to be downloaded, instead it can be accessed on a cellphone or computer, so the user doesn’t need an expensive smartphone.
“With over 90 per cent of vulnerable Edmontonians having a cellphone, we see this tool as a way to make services more accessible to all Edmontonians in need of support, a key component of EndPoverty Edmonton’s strategy,” said Bishop Jane Alexander, EndPoverty Edmonton co-chair.
The app was developed in the spring at a BetaCityYEG hackathon. Creators said the app’s coverage is geared towards central Edmonton because that’s the area where there is most demand for access to services.
The Canadian Mental Health Association is asking Edmontonians to give feedback about the app.
“We want to hear from people about how it works, what’s missing, and how we can adapt and improve it,” said Challborn.
LinkYEG.ca is the first of its kind in Canada.
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