In the modern world, people with access to telecommunication devices have numerous benefits over those without. The City of Detroit, in partnership with California-based human-I-Stand some other stakeholders, offers Focus Hope free laptops and internet services to eligible students and other minority groups in the society. The program is facilitated through donations, collection, refurbishing, and distribution of old laptops that typically end up in landfills. The used laptops are wiped clean and given to low-income Detroiters and nonprofits serving residents.
In addition to the human-IT support, Detroiters are encouraged to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) federal subsidy. This initiative is a federal program that subsidizes the cost of digital devices such as laptops. Also, you will get free internet through a monthly $30 discount, plus a one-time $100 subsidy for telecommunication devices, including free laptops, tablets, and desktop computers. However, you must meet eligibility requirements to benefit from a free laptop from this program.
The success story for Focus Hope free laptops is that the beneficiary students with internet access usually excel and perform better in their studies. Besides, people searching for jobs can explore opportunities online and land their dream job. For individuals with health challenges who want care, free laptops through Focus Hope have enormous advantages, like booking appointments. Focus Hope’s provision of free refurbished laptops to Detroiters reduces e-waste, reduces the city’s digital divide, and offers jobs for residents.
Free Laptop through Partnership of Human IT and Focus Hope
After receiving old laptops, it takes several months before the donated city laptop becomes ready for distribution. However, families needing a laptop can queue to obtain one from human-IT from its current inventory. People of Detroit looking for low-cost laptops or require help getting subsidized internet, training, or technical support; can call 888-391-7249 or visit the website.
Since the launch in Detroit in August of 2020, Human-I-T has provided the following local impact:
- Distribution of 14,042 laptops and tablets
- Connection of high-speed, low-cost internet to 2,756 eligible households
- Distribution of over 7,000 Wi-Fi hotspots
- Completion of 17,750 tech support tickets to support DPSCD students
- Processing of over 1,000,000+ pounds of e-waste
How To Donate A Laptop to Human-IT
Thanks to its innovative programs and partnerships, human-I-T connects Detroit people to technology, devices such as free laptops, and affordable internet plans. Detroit businesses can benefit from the human-I-T partnership by recycling and donating technology they no longer use. You can contact human-I-T’s industry-leading IT asset disposition services if you want to donate a laptop or other digital device you no longer use.
Then, human-I-T will make plans for an equipment pickup, securely erase the device’s sensitive data, refurbish, and update and donate them to local community organizations and individuals lacking access to technology. The damaged or broken items are acceptable for eliminating harmful product disposal. Besides, all donations are tax-deductible.
Free Laptop through Partnership of General Motors Co. and Focus Hope
In collaboration with General Motors Co., Focus Hope aims to create the Women in Manufacturing and Technology program that offer free laptops. This program is a new manufacturing and information technology job awareness and training initiative for women in metro Detroit. This automotive company partner with the human and civil rights organization through a $370,000 grant and $338,000 in laptops and network infrastructure donations.
Through the program, Focus HOPE offers free laptops to help women enter an industry where they have been isolated since times in memorial. Women are underrepresented in the manufacturing and IT workforce. Thus, there is a dire need for more highly trained female professionals. In this regard, the Women in Manufacturing and Technology program has been formed to bridge this gap.
Free Laptop Through Focus Hope Partnership with Wireless Providers
Xfinity Comcast is the carrier partnered to offer free laptops from Focus Hope by signing people up for discounted services via the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program help solve the digital divide among low-income families. The program supported by the Biden Administration provides a subsidy to assist low-income Americans afford internet services. Eligible people qualify for a free laptop and receive a $30 subsidy to lower their monthly internet bill.
Eligibility For a Free Laptop through ACP
A household qualifies for a free laptop through a partnership of Comcast ACP and Focus Hope if the entire household income is at 200% or below the federal poverty level. Besides, you can also qualify if any household member attains at least one of the following criteria:
A participant in specific government-aided programs, including:
- Lifeline
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) (including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Tribal Assistance Programs including:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households attaining the qualifying income standard)
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
A recipient of free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program benefits, including via the USDA Community Eligibility Provision
A recipient of a federal Pell Grant in the recent award year
Bottom Line
Due to technological advancement and revolution, having internet access, a laptop at home is a necessity. After the pandemic hit the world, access to laptops and the internet need to broaden. For students, laptops are more than devices to use on social media, and you can use the laptop for school work and engage in professional connections via email. Focus Hope offers free laptops through a new program supported by the City of Detroit. You can get Focus Hope free laptops from stakeholders like Human-I-T, General Motors Co., and Wireless providers of government subsidy programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program.