PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology and the Digital Literacy Alliance (DLA) today announced its partnership with PCs for People, the selected entity in its most recent RFP as part of the Philadelphia City Fund. PCs for People will provide low-cost devices and tech support for eligible Philadelphians.
Through its partnership with the DLA, PCs for People will offer no-cost and low-cost computers online and in-store for eligible customers starting at $30 for a desktop and $50 for a laptop computer in-store. Eligible customers can also subscribe to pay-per-month wireless internet access for $15/month (or free with the federal Affordable Connectivity Program benefit).
“Technology is a critical part of daily life – whether it is to apply for jobs, access an online class, or request medical care. As the City works to achieve digital access for all Philadelphians, we will continue to invest in resources, so everyone has access to the internet, devices, and the digital skills needed to use these tools,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “I’m excited for PCs for People to join the efforts within the City’s Digital Literacy Alliance and provide low-cost devices and support to our residents who need it most.”
While a 2021 survey showed improvements in digital access among Philadelphia residents, 16 percent of households still lack a high-speed home internet connection and 25 percent still lack a working home computer or large screen device. Among low-income residents, 37 percent have neither a computer nor a tablet. A key strategy in the City’s Digital Equity Plan is to scale a system of computer recycling and refurbishing to ensure there are low-cost and free computers available to residents in need.
“Research has shown that access to a large-screen device – a laptop, desktop, or tablet – that is connected to the internet, reduces the homework gap and increases participation in the labor force,” said the City of Philadelphia’s Digital Inclusion Manager, Juliet Fink Yates. “Building an ecosystem that keeps devices out of landfills, provides devices to those in need, and offers a much-needed system of technical support to extend the lifecycle of those devices, benefits all Philadelphians.”
This contract with PCs for People is possible thanks to a grant award of $500,000 from Independence Public Media Foundation (IPMF) to the DLA, as well as City general funds and previous DLA funds from partners Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T.
“We’re excited to learn that DLA is moving funds to PCs for People to do just that: expand device recycling, refurbishing, and distribution in Philadelphia,” said Karla Jimenez-Magdaleno, Program Associate at IPMF. “It’s inspiring to witness how DLA is providing tangible support to Philadelphians through a thoughtful process that took the time to ensure that the funding could reach as many people as possible.”
“In today’s digital world, it is vital that everyone has access to these resources, regardless of their background or financial situation,” said Joseph Benson, PCs for People’s Vice President of Business Development. “We believe that access to computers, internet, and digital skills are not only a matter of convenience, but a matter of equity and social justice. As such, we are incredibly proud to join the digital inclusion community in Philadelphia and work together with the organizations already here ensuring that everyone has equitable access to the technology they need to succeed.”
PCs for People will host a storefront for eligible customers, office space for staff, and an intake, data destruction, and refurbishing center for the organization’s zero-landfill certified e-recycling services. Corporations interested in supporting this work can visit www.pcsforpeople.org/philadelphia to learn more about their no-cost, secure data destruction and e-recycling services. Computers will be picked up, wiped, and refurbished or recycled to support people in the community. Donors will be provided an in-depth report showcasing the donation’s impact.
About the Digital Literacy Alliance (DLA): The DLA is a coalition of digital inclusion partners working to overcome the digital divide in Philadelphia. DLA develops strategies, manages a seed fund, raises funding, and oversees funded programs. Since its creation in 2017, the Alliance has facilitated seven grant cycles and awarded over $1 million to digital inclusion programs. Projects include the Digital Navigation program in 2020 and the 2021 cycle focused on digital skills for immigrant and limited-English proficiency residents. The Digital Literacy Alliance Fund is part of the Philadelphia City Fund.
About PCs for People: PCs for People is a national nonprofit social enterprise working to get low-cost quality computers and internet into the homes of individuals, families, and nonprofits with low income. PCs for People provides a valuable service to businesses, families, and the planet by keeping computers out of landfills and repurposing them to advance digital inclusion. PCs for People primarily serves individuals, families, and nonprofits who meet certain low-income guidelines (200 percent of the federal poverty level or 60 percent of area median income, and/or enrollment in income-based government programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Federal Public Housing Assistance).