BELLINGHAM, WA – App developers have partnered with local health and outreach services to provide additional aid to Bellingham’s homeless population.

PeaceHealth and Northwest Youth Services have announced their new partnership with the developers of the Samaritan app.

The app partners local people in need with community members that can chip in to provide needed services, such as food or phone service.

They can also provide words of encouragement towards long-term goals, such as finding housing or employment.

Samaritan is already in effect in Seattle, where over 1000 people have been helped via the app.

Individuals in need receive a “smart wallet” to store funds obtained through the app along with important documents.

Samaritan developers are looking to start helping 40 people in Bellingham, with expanded services starting next summer.

Find more information on the Samaritan app here.