This Company is Helping Bridge Digital Divide in Detroit
DETROIT — Human-I-T is creating equitable access to opportunity by providing devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support for communities left on the wrong side of the digital divide while at the same time, empowering businesses and organizations to do good by diverting technology from landfills to protect the global environment. The company … Continued
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DETROIT — Human-I-T is creating equitable access to opportunity by providing devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support for communities left on the wrong side of the digital divide while at the same time, empowering businesses and organizations to do good by diverting technology from landfills to protect the global environment.
The company which operates its Detroit location from the Focus: HOPE building believe access to technology is a right, not a privilege. A digital connection to the world allows people to study remotely, apply for jobs, attend telehealth appointments, connect with distant family, or explore new ideas and perspectives.
In 2021, the City of Detroit, human-I-T and other partners announced a four-month long campaign that will help close the digital divide for at least 1,000 low-income families while creating jobs for Detroiters and reducing the amount of electronic waste headed to area landfills.
In Detroit, up to 40% of student households didn’t have access to a personal computer or a home internet connection even before the coronavirus pandemic. By transforming e-waste into opportunities, human-I-T reduces environmental impacts while also creating social benefit.
Since launching in late 2020, human-I-T assembled a team of 26 members – 16 of which are Detroit residents – to promote digital inclusion by refurbishing and repurposing used electronics. In their first 9 months, the nonprofit group processed nearly 100,000 pounds of e-waste from 20 corporate donors and donated more than 15,000 computers and 7,000 internet hotspots to Detroit households.
Detroit businesses can take advantage of the partnership with human-I-T to recycle and donate technology that they no longer need. With a simple phone call, donors can access human-I-T’s industry-leading IT asset disposition services. human-I-T will arrange an equipment pickup, securely wipe devices of sensitive data, refurbish and update them, and donate them to local community organizations and individuals who lack access to technology. Damaged or broken items are also accepted for end-of-life product disposal. All donations are tax deductible.
For more information, visit https://www.human-i-t.org or www.connect313.org .
