PCs for People Makes its Mark in the Southern Region of the U.S.
PCs for People, a nonprofit ITAD company with a national scope, has shifted its sights to Philadelphia after the establishment of an Atlanta processing facility. The organization is eager to expand its operations and bring tech access to those in need.
Beginning in March of this year, the company which is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, began renting a 10,750-foot space in Atlanta. The processing facility was established right after its small technology hub opened last July in 2022, within that same metropolitan area.
Thus far, organizations have been supportive of PCs for People Georgia initiative, according to the managing director, Brian Hooker. For example, a large medical system has pledged to donate 500 computers monthly via its IT refresh project.
“It’s been exciting the reception that we’re seeing here in Atlanta by folks who want to engage us, to get a benefit while doing good,” Hooker commented.
PCs for People has been making a major impact within the Southern region of the United States. This was highly attributable the opening of a 750-square-foot technology hub at Westside Works, a local workforce development center. In just one year since its launch, the site has successfully distributed over 1,500 used computers to those in need.
Microsoft Invests in PCs for People
March 2023 also saw PCs for People secure a new processing facility, with four docks and a generous 3,500 square feet of temperature-controlled office space.
Hooker revealed that Microsoft had invested a $500,000 grant to help PCs for People open sites in Atlanta. This was also made possible through its Airband Initiative, which provided another $300,000 in funding specifically meant to supply disadvantaged individuals with internet service.
At first, Hooker envisioned opening a warehouse for electronics processing in July 2022. However, the real estate market presented some challenges and disrupted his plan. Although he thought the organization was close to signing off on a lease starting October, the deal ultimately fell through.
“We had to scale down the size of the space and then move farther out to get more availability,” he stated.
“We really had to sharpen our pencils to figure out how to make a nonprofit work in this type of real estate environment,” Hooker added.
Oak Lawn, IL Facility Opens
Prior to unveiling its permanent space, PCs for People Illinois had some local assistance from Cook County. According to Erin Sherwood from PCs for People, the Bureau of Economic Development gave the organization low-cost and short-term accommodation at Oak Forest Hospital, a site located in the south suburbs of Chicago.
“They provided that for a very discounted rate. It was an agreement for a year to help us get up and running in the state of Illinois and to serve Cook County,” Sherwood explained.
“That’s how we got started [in the Chicago area] while we were still looking for retail space,” she added.
According to Loren Williams, Account Executive at ITAD/sourcing at PCs for People, the effects of the global pandemic have made it clear how vast the digital divide is in Illinois. An estimated 1.1 million households do not have easy access to a computer, which has become an essential tool for work and education in today’s world.
Coincidentally, Williams had already been involved in the buying and selling of computer equipment for large for-profit companies, prior to working for PCs for People. His curiosity was piqued when Gov. JB Pritzker held an announcement at a press conference about PCs for People, which was part of a statewide and Cook County initiative to bridge the digital divide. Seeing it as a great opportunity, Williams secured employment within the organization.
2020 also saw the opening of PCs for People’s first Illinois location in Belleville, followed shortly by its temporary Chicago area space. Sherwood projects that the Oak Lawn facility will be handling about half a million pounds of electronics this year, and the facility currently has 11 personnel on staff.
PCs for People has now opened locations in various cities throughout the nation, including Atlanta; Baltimore; Belleville, Ill. (close to St. Louis); Cleveland; Kansas City, Mo.; Mankato, Minn.; Oak Lawn; and St. Paul.
The Organization Looks to Grow in Philadelphia
Soon, PCs for People is hoping to extend its services into Philadelphia.
Allison Coleman, the national marketing manager for PCs for People, revealed that the group has appointed a managing director for the city’s Digital Literacy Alliance (DLA), but are still finalizing a suitable facility. She went on to say that PCs for People have begun collecting material with the DLA, ready to process it elsewhere.
“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 Philadelphia 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.”
A generous $500,000 was granted to PCs for People by a coalition between municipal funds and contributions from corporations of Comcast, Verizon and AT&T. This initiative, spearheaded by the Digital Literacy Alliance in association with Independence Public Media Foundation (IPMF), will lead to free or low-cost computers being distributed among citizens who cannot otherwise afford access.
“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,” the City of Philadelphia’s Digital Inclusion Manager, Juliet Fink Yates explained. “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.”
Digital Equity Plan
The recent announcement cited that a system to furnish residents of low-income households with free or discounted computers is one of many initiatives outlined in its Digital Equity Plan.
“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,” stated 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,” Joseph Benson, PCs for People’s Vice President of Business Development said. “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.”
