Overview

Key Features and Technologies

HelpBridge enables you to:

• Create and manage your emergency contact lists.
• Communicate quickly and easily via e-mail, SMS, and Facebook with those you care about most in times of disaster.
• Donate money or requested goods to the top organizations engaged in disaster relief work.
• Discover volunteer opportunities for relevant disaster relief efforts.
• Share your location with friends and family.

HelpBridge uses:

• Windows Azure for cloud-based services.
• Aidmatrix RSS feed of goods donation opportunities.
• GuideStar API that provides the listing of organizations for credit card donations.
• Mobile Giving Foundation API to allow text-to-give donations.
• Network for Good API that works in partnership with GuideStar and PayPal to allow for credit card donations.
• VolunteerMatch API that showcases relevant volunteer opportunities.

Getting Started

• Download the app from the Windows Phone Store, Google Play or iTunes
• Log-in with your Microsoft Account ID or Facebook credentials
• Set-up your emergency contact list
• Start using the app

FAQ

What is HelpBridge?

HelpBridge is a mobile application that connects people with those they care about most in a time of disaster, facilitates donations to leading disaster relief organizations, and highlights relevant, local volunteer opportunities. The app is available on Windows Phone, Android and iOS platforms .

Where can I get HelpBridge?

It’s available for free in the following mobile marketplaces:

• Windows Phone
• Google Play
• iTunes

Does it cost me anything?

The mobile app is free for download and there are no usage fees beyond your phone operator’s SMS fees and any donations you make.

How does the donations piece work? Do I have to give you my credit card number?

There are three ways to donate via the HelpBridge app:

• Text-to-give: For donations of $5 or $10, we partner with the Mobile Giving Foundation to provide the listings of non-profits requesting monetary donation and to manage the payments. When you opt to text-to-give the amount you donate is sent via text and it’s added directly to your monthly phone bill. We do not store any credit card or billing information related to your donation.
• PayPal: For larger donations, we partner with GuideStar and Network for Good to provide a listing of donation opportunities with some of the world’s leading disaster relief organizations. The donation amount you select is processed is via the PayPal service (log-in required) and delivered to the non-profit. We do not store any credit card or billing information.
• Donate Goods: In times of disaster, there are often specific goods that are needed that may be specific readily available for donation from companies or individuals to relief organizations. Thanks to our partnership with Aidmatrix, we are able to provide a listing of relevant needs that you can sign-up to provide. HelpBridge connects you with the organizations in need to coordinate delivery of the donation. No financial transactions occur within the application.

Is HelpBridge available worldwide?

At this time, the app is only available in the U.S.

Do I have to provide my GPS location when I send a message?

No. That is completely optional. There is a toggle switch on the message screen where you can turn on/turn off the location service.

Do I have to post a message on Facebook?

No. First, you can sign-in with your Microsoft Account ID and you’ll only be able to send messages via e-mail or SMS. Or, if you do choose to sign-in with your Facebook credentials, you can turn off the posting to your Facebook wall by using the toggle on the message screen.

Can I only use HelpBridge during a disaster?

The primary use of the app is for disaster situations. This does not mean you can’t use it to donate or communicate during non-emergency situations but we encourage the responsible use of this mobile application. Using it outside of emergency situations may dilute the effectiveness of the app when you need it most.