AUSTIN, Texas & BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aunt Bertha, the nation’s largest network of free and reduced-cost social assistance, announces it has teamed up with the AARP Foundation for the Connect2Affect Connected Communities™ program. The initiative provides seniors in affordable housing communities with voice-assisted search for local social services available in Aunt Bertha’s network. Baltimore is the first market to execute the program.
Aunt Bertha’s technology enables vulnerable seniors to easily gather information about free and reduced-cost assistance in their community, such as food pantries, transportation, tax preparation and more. Voice-assisted search not only lessens physical and technological barriers to navigating social services for seniors, but emotional ones as well. Aunt Bertha’s Alexa Skill allows users to reach out for help in the comfort of their homes, without fear or stigma.
The AARP Foundation created Connect2Affect Connected Communities following a successful pilot with Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI), a Baltimore-based organization that helps older residents remain independent in their homes. Together, they distributed Amazon Echo devices to nearly 300 residents with the aim of fighting social isolation with voice-activated technology. Over the course of one year, they gathered user feedback to develop customized “skills” for residents, such as community reminders and alerts.
“This program gets to the heart of why Aunt Bertha is in business. We want to eliminate the barriers that often impede seniors from getting the resources they need,” shares Erine Gray, Aunt Bertha’s founder and CEO. “We’re incredibly excited to be a part of this initiative as we seek to expand our voice-assisted search capabilities for Aunt Bertha’s 2.3 million users across the country.”
Enter for a Chance to Win Alexa Echo Device
To celebrate the launch of its new Alexa skill on National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28, 2019), Aunt Bertha is hosting a giveaway. Participants will have the chance to win one of 24 Alexa Echo devices with the Aunt Bertha Skill. For contest rules and to enter, visit https://bit.ly/2mcemCk.
About Aunt Bertha
Aunt Bertha’s mission is to connect all people in need and the programs that serve them with dignity and ease. It’s the largest network of free and reduced-cost social assistance in every ZIP Code across the US, including federal, state, county, municipal, and local programs in the biggest cities and smallest towns. When the company started out in 2010, it defined a new way for people to access social services that empowered them to own their search. Users simply enter their ZIP Code into the platform, unlocking a wide breadth of free and reduced-cost assistance in their community, such as food, housing, financial and legal help, health services, and more. For more information, visit www.company.auntbertha.com.
About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope. For more information, visit www.aarpfoundation.org.