Technology Distribution Event - Computers for Qualifying Households

Refuge and Restoration partners with PCs for People, MiTek, SEFCA, and NPower to bridge the digital divide in the community.

Dellwood, MO: Refuge and Restoration will partner with PCs for People (PC4P), Southeast Ferguson Community Association (SEFCA), and NPower with the support of MiTek to bridge the digital divide for families in the Dellwood/Ferguson community and surrounding area. This partnership will equip low-income households with access to affordable technology (desktops, laptops, and mobile hotspots). As a national leader of digital inclusion, PCs for People sources, refurbishes, redistributes, educates, and supports families with the tools and resources needed to achieve digital equity. 

As avid community champions in the Dellwood/Ferguson area, Refuge and Restoration, NPower, and SEFCA staff have partnered with PCs for People to bring a pop-up technology-distribution event to the greater St. Louis area. This effort was made possible and is sponsored by Chesterfield-based MiTek, a global leader in building construction innovation. 

Registration for the computer and mobile internet deployment will take place in person at the future home of Refuge and Restoration, 10148 West Florissant Ave., 63136 (next to the Dellwood Recreation Center), on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Qualifying households will return to the same location to pick up the technology on October 9, 2021 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Qualifying households are 200% below the federal poverty line or receive some form of government assistance such as:
●    National School Lunch Program (free and reduced lunch)
●    An active food stamps account
●    School schedules impacted by COVID-19 (hybrid or virtual learning)
●    2020 Federal Tax Return
●    Veteran benefits 
For more information on eligibility, please visit www.pcsforpeople.org/eligibility.

The PCs for People technology offerings:
●    Laptops - i3 to i7 core processors, while supplies last 
●    Desktops - i3 to i5 core processors with Windows 10 operating system, 17-20" monitor, keyboard, mouse, power cords, and a wireless USB adapter 
●    Wireless mobile hotspot 

PCs for People is a participating provider in the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), which provides a one-time device discount up to $100 on a computer and a $50 monthly discount on internet service until funds run out. By utilizing this benefit, families can purchase a mobile hotspot and computer (desktop or laptop) for as low at $20. This is a package deal that cannot be supplemented. To learn more about this program, please visit https://www.pcsforpeople.org/low-cost-internet/emergency-broadband-benefit/. 

Additional financial aid will be made available through a grant from MiTek.

Individuals unable to attend the registration event may pre-order their technology at tinyurl.com/pcsforpeopleil. PCs for People will process the order and have it ready for pick up on Oct. 9, 2021. Individuals should bring their order number and confirmation email from the [email protected]. 

Gaining access to technology is the first step towards creating digital inclusion. Through this partnership, participating households will receive a one-year warranty on the devices they receive, access to low-cost repairs, and free digital literacy education provided by PCs for People. 

Workforce development opportunities through NPower's Tech Fundamentals Program create avenues to capitalize on technological access by helping young adults launch digital careers. In a world where over 50 percent of jobs require some level of digital skill, NPower is helping young adults combat unemployment and underemployment with six months of training and career development. NPower's specific focus on increasing the diverse talent pool for tech jobs helps ensure pathways to economic stability for all communities. For more information on NPower's program please visit https://www.npower.org/locations/missouri/.
 

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Category: Community | Local / Community Time: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM