“We intentionally did not make an app specifically for an Android or iPhone, but something useful for the phones we see people using,” Trotter said.

For example, cellphones obtained through Lifeline, a government-sponsored program that provides fee basic phones to low-income people, can use Link-Dane, she said.

Zendesk and United Way officials unveiled the new site at news conference Monday at Zendesk's offices in downtown Madison.

Madison Ald. Maurice Cheeks represented the city at the news conference and noted that the new website was developed without the involvement of city government.

He said later that the creation of the site is a reflection of an emerging climate of collaboration. "It is a manifestation of exactly the cort of collaborative spirit that positions Madison to be an exceptional city going forward," Cheeks said. "I hope to see more companies finding opportunities to engage nonprofits -- and city government for that matter -- to solve problems based on their unique skills and capacities.

"I couldn't be more proud to be part of the city," he said.

Link-Dane expands on the services offered by United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center, an information and referral service that connects people to a variety of resources such as help paying bills, housing search assistance, food pantries, and community clinics.

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