FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
January 2023 TO AUG 2024
Working with local partners to help empower Vancouver’s homeless population.
The Importance of smartphones grows yearly, and many people nowadays cannot visualize life without them. Navigating a post-COVID world includes recognizing the immense value of smartphones and the critical communication, security and connectedness they provide. Through Cell Up, we hoped to continue recognizing smartphones as a necessity while advocating for equitable access to technology that so many Canadians still lack.
Cell phone prices and bills continue to be some of the biggest barriers to obtaining consistent, reliable access to a smartphone. The cell-up campaign provided service to homeless clients ranging from the Union Gospel Mission Vancouver, Covenant House Vancouver, Phoenix Society, and Kettle Friendship Society. Clients received either a free cell phone and charging cord (used or new device), a prepaid cell phone service card, or a combination of both. The provided support service was determined on a case-by-case basis for each client, based on needs determined by outreach workers from each organization.
Connect Vancouver was thrilled and proud to announce that this project was sponsored by Hpchatrstore and Chatr mobile. Their generous donation enabled Connect Vancouver to provide 30 individuals with a phone and a 7 GB data plan as part of Cell Up. Remaining support was provided by the City of Vancouver, Homelessness Action Week Grant.