• Rochester Works Job Board/Job Fairs
• Careerbuilder
• Craigslist
• Indeed.com
• Snag a Job
• Monster.com
• New York State Job Bank
• RochesterWNYJobs.com
• ShiftDiff
• ZipRecruiter

• Wegmans
• Rochester City School District
• Rochester Regional Health
• University of Rochester
• Paychex
• Bausch + Lomb
• Career Start
• Excellus BCBS
• MCC Career Services

Online Account and Application Record . An Excel spreadsheet to record online account information and to write progress notes

Monroe One
41 O’Connor Rd,
Fairport, NY, 14450
https://www.monroe.edu

Monroe One develops and implements programs and services that meet the diverse needs of general education students, special needs students with disabilities, and at-risk students. Resources are combined, when and where they are needed, to provide creative solutions that help students stay in school and ultimately achieve success, supporting Monroe One’s belief that every student can succeed.

Learn More

OACES
30 Hart Street
Rochester, NY 14605
(585) IMPROVE (585-467-7683)
https://oaces.net

Earn your high school diploma. Prepare for post-secondary education. Train for a career.

RHCSD
2034 Lehigh Station Rd
Henrietta, NY 14467
585-359-5000
rhnet.org

The Rush-Henrietta Adult Literacy Program offers English as a Second Language classes for adults 21 and older at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Classes are taught by a New York state-certified teacher and offered during the day and evening. Students must be eligible for employment and/or seeking higher-level education to qualify.  Classes are free of charge.

Classes take place at the Good Shepherd building, 3288 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY 14467. Classes are held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

For more information and to schedule a registration appointment, call Pat Hantzis, program assistant, at 359-7918, or e-mail phantzis@rhnet.org.

Learn More

Digital identity verification is the the online process of confirming someone’s identity, ensuring they are who they claim to be. It involves using digital data points and various methods to verify a person’s identity when they sign up for online services or log into a digital platform. 

Login.gov

Login.gov is owned and operated by the U.S. government, specifically through the General Services Administration (GSA). It’s a single sign-on service used by multiple government agencies to provide a secure and convenient way for users to access online services with a single username and password. 

To create a secure Login.gov account, you will need to provide a few pieces of information to securely sign in to protect your identity/information. 

• Password – Passwords must have at least 12 characters and should not include commonly used words or phrases.
• One or more Authentication methods
  • One-time code sent to your phone or email
  • Biometrics -face or fingerprint to unlock
  • Federal government employee or military identification (PIV/CAC)

• Using both a password and another method makes it difficult for others to access your information.

ID.me

ID.me is an American online identity network company that allows people to provide proof of their legal identity online. In the wake of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ID.me was contracted by numerous state unemployment agencies to verify the identities of claimants. The US Internal Revenue Service also uses ID.me as its only online option in accessing its online taxpayer tool

To create a secure ID.me account, you will need to provide a few pieces of information to securely sign in to protect your identity/information.

• Valid email address (make sure when typing it in that it is spelled correctly)
• Enter a Strong password
• After creating an account follow the prompts to verify your identity’
• You will need to upload a photo of your Driver’s license, state identification, passport, or passport card.
• You will be prompted to take a video selfie to verify your face matches the identification you provided
• If they are having a hard time verifying your identity, they may ask for a secondary document like social security card, insurance cards, or possibly a video call requiring you to present your original documentation.

Spectrum – Television, phone, and internet service provider.

Greenlight Networks – Internet service provider

Frontier Communications – Internet, phone and TV service provider

T-Mobile – Home internet, phone service provider

All Choice Connect – Satellite communication service in Rochester, New York

Rochester Housing Authority – Apply for public housing.

RGE – Gas and electric company.

Fairport Electric – Fairport gas and electric company.

Monroe County Water Authority – Authority created by New York State statute to supply clean water to residential, commercial and industrial customers

ABC
400 West Ave
Rochester, NY 14611
585-325-5116

abcinfo.org

Action for a Better Community is a Community Action Agency that promotes and provides opportunities for low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient.

ABC Programs:

• Action Front Center
• Bridges 2 Success
• Community Building in Action
• Employment Retention Investment Curriculum
• Energy Conservation Program
• Head Start & Early Head Start
• Health Career Programs
• High Impact Prevention Services for Youth
• High School Equivalency Prep
• Housing Grant Repair & Rehab Intake
• Office of New Americans
• Strategies to Success
• Strengthening Working Families Initiative
• Summer Youth Employment
• Training in Employment and Soft Skills

ABC

Learn More

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP 2024-2025 Regular HEAP benefit closed April 7, 2025

A federally funded program that assists low-income households in meeting the high costs of home heating. (heating supply can be natural gas, electric, oil, coal, propane, wood pellets, corn, or kerosene)

If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.

Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled.

Benefits are given directly to the energy supplier not the recipient.

Your household may be eligible for a Regular benefit if:
A member of your household is a United States Citizen or qualified alien
Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guides for your household size 
You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits 
You receive Temporary Assistance 
You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)

Regular Benefit Add-Ons for Households Paying Directly for Heat

The amount of the base Regular benefit will be increased by $61 if the household’s gross income is in the Tier 1 income range.

How to apply for Regular Benefits

Online:
at myBenefits.ny.gov
By phone:
(585)753-6209 or (585)753-6477
In-person:
You may apply in person at your HEAP Local District Contact.
In writing:
Print and mail the completed HEAP application

The 2024-2025 First and Second Emergency closed April 7, 2025

• Eligibility is based on income, available resources, and the type of emergency

Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement

The 2024-2025 Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit closed May 9, 2025

• If you are a homeowner and eligible, the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit can help you repair or replace your furnace, boiler and other direct heating equipment necessary to keep your home’s primary heating source working.
• Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace your furnace, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment, $4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement.
• You may call your HEAP Local District Contact to apply. An eligibility interview is required for all HERR applications, but may be completed with applicants in person or by telephone. Your local district contact will decide if you meet all the eligibility conditions, including the income and resource requirements. The district will provide more information on how to submit the application and required documentation.

Clean and Tune Benefit

The 2024-2025 HEAP Clean and Tune benefit closed May 9, 2025

• Eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $500. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.
  
• Your household eligibility requirements include filing out a Clean and Tune benefit application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.

Cooling Assistance Benefit

The 2024-2025 Cooling Assistance opened April 15, 2025.

• If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.
• In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.
• Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

Learn More

The Housing Choice Voucher (Formerly Section 8) Program is a federally-funded HUD program which subsidizes the rents of eligible low-income households.

Assistance is tenant-based.  This means families can live in a qualifying rental unit of their choosing anywhere within the RHA jurisdiction or, if the family is eligible, they are able to “port” their voucher and move anywhere in the country.

For a unit to qualify for the program, the rent must be reasonable in comparison to other similar unassisted units in the area.  The unit must also pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection and maintain HQS standards throughout the term of the contract with RHA.

The family will typically pay 30 to 40% of their monthly income for shelter (rent plus utilities). RHA will enter a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract with the owner to pay the remaining balance.

Applicants on the Rochester Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Tenant-Based waitlist.

Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined by RHA and is based on the total annual gross income and family size.  Eligible families cannot exceed the 50% of the median income for the Rochester area.

Eligible families must be US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. RHA will also examine the criminal background and prior Housing Choice Voucher history of any adult member of the household.

New Lobby Hours at 675 W. Main St.

It is also open on Friday from 8:30 AM until 12:00 noon. Try to arrive by 11:30 AM if you can.

Please be patient as we serve people in the order they arrive.  We continue to do our best to serve and assist you!

– – – – – -= = = = = = = = = – – – – –

Update: Public Housing 1-Bedroom (not Housing Choice Voucher / Section 8) Waiting List

We are happy to announce that the Public Housing Waiting List for 1-bedroom units will re-open on 3/3/25 at 12 Noon.

The 2, 3 and 4-bedrooms Waiting Lists will be closed on 3/3/25 at 12 Noon. The Studio Waiting List continues to be closed.

If you are interested in applying to the Public Housing Program, the online application portal will be available to apply starting on 3/3/25 at 12 Noon.

If you are a current applicant on the Public Housing Waiting List and would like to check your status, please call the 24-hour Automated Waiting List Status Inquiry Line at (585) 697-7574.

(This notice is not for the Housing Choice Voucher Program formerly known as the Section 8 Program.)

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Additional questions or concerns regarding this process may be directed to waitinglist@rochesterhousing.org, or by calling 585-697-6206.

Learn More

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal nutrition assistance program. SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores.

Eligibility is based of your Gross monthly income — that is, household income before any of the program’s deductions are applied — generally must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line.

Applicants must live in the state in which they apply and meet certain bank balance limits. A household with an elderly (over 60) or disabled household member may have a higher bank balance limit.

You can apply online at Mybenefits.ny.gov, Download an application and mail to/drop off at  691 St. Paul St. Rochester, NY 14605, Call 585-753-6960 to have an application mailed to you, or you can pick up an application at 691 St. Paul St. Rochester, NY 14605.

If everyone applying is over 60 years old and/or disabled, you can use this new simplified application and mail to/drop off at  691 St Paul St. Rochester, NY 14605.

When the application is submitted, you will be screened for expedited benefits and, if eligible, the benefit will be issued within five business days. You will be contacted by phone for the screening interview, if applicable, and mailed an appointment for a SNAP telephone interview. You will not need to be seen in person.

Learn More

Cyber Safety Tips

Internet-enabled crimes and cyber intrusions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and preventing them requires each user of a connected device to be aware and on guard. 

• Keep systems and software up to date and install a strong, reputable anti-virus program.
• Be careful when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network and do not conduct any sensitive transactions, including purchases, when on a public network.
• Create a strong and unique passphrase for each online account and change those passphrases regularly.
• Set up multi-factor authentication on all accounts that allow it.
• Examine the email address in all correspondence and scrutinize website URLs before responding to a message or visiting a site
• Don’t click on anything in unsolicited emails or text messages.
• Be cautious about the information you share in online profiles and social media accounts. Sharing things like pet names, schools, and family members can give scammers the hints they need to guess your passwords or the answers to your account security questions.
• Don’t send payments to unknown people or organizations that are seeking monetary support and urge immediate action.

Cyber-Security-Quick-Reference
Current list of Cybersecurity Alerts & Advisories

*Information source FBI.gov

Click here to print this information

Using an easy-to-guess password is like locking the door but leaving the key in the lock. Strengthen your password with three simple tips from the United States Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Agency (US CISA):

1) Make them long, at least 16 characters is recommended by US CISA.

2) Make them random. You can do this by using a random string of mixed-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Example: J8dqa3@#XMo0Rs!? Another option Is to create a memorable phrase of 4-7 words. This is called a passphrase. Example: Syr@cusew1ntersarec0ld!

3) Make them unique. Use a different strong password for each account. Do not use the same password for more than one account!

When making a password, avoid the following: 

• Do not use your network username as your password.
• Don’t use easily guessed passwords, such as “password” or “user.”
• Do not choose passwords based on information that may not be as confidential as you think, such as your birth date, Social Security number, phone number, or names of family members or pets. 
• Don’t use a consecutive string of numbers such as “1234.” 
• Do not use consecutive letter sequences found on the keyboard, such as ‘asdfghjkl.’

Password Managers 

A password manager is a software program to prevent password fatigue by automatically, generating, auto filling, and storing strong passwords. Password managers typically require a user to create and remember a single password to unlock to access the stored passwords.

There are many password managers available, with some offering both free and paid versions. Typically, the free versions have more limited features, and often, though not always, they restrict the number of devices you can use to access your saved passwords. Here are just a few examples of popular password managers. Remember, every password manager needs to be set up before it can be used. Every password manager out there has its strengths and weaknesses. 

LastPass Offers both free and paid versions. The paid version offers password storage and syncing across multiple devices, the free version limits this feature to one device.. 

Bitwarden  Free for unlimited devices, a paid version with additional features is available.

Proton Pass Free for unlimited devices, a paid version with additional features is available. 

1Password  No free version available. Only offers a paid for version.  

NordPass Offers both free and paid versions. Made by the developers of NordVPN.

Chrome Password Manager Free with a Google Account. This is an integrated password manager for users of Google Chrome, syncing passwords across devices when signed in with a Google account. It’s a very seamless experience for Chrome users, especially since it auto-fills passwords and securely stores them in your Google account. However, it’s somewhat limited compared to full-featured password managers.

Samsung Pass Free on Samsung Products with a Samsung Account. Samsung Pass is designed for Samsung users, and it securely stores passwords, payment information, and even biometric data like fingerprints or iris scans for added security. It’s great for people using Samsung smartphones or tablets, as it integrates well with Samsung’s ecosystem.

iCloud Keychain Free for any user with an Apple device and an iCloud account. iCloud Keychain works seamlessly for users within the Apple ecosystem, securely storing passwords, credit card details, and even Wi-Fi network information across all Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, MacBook, etc.). It’s a great tool for Apple users, as it integrates directly with Safari and automatically fills in passwords when needed. However, it’s primarily geared toward Apple products and doesn’t have the cross-platform compatibility that some other password managers offer.

Scammers Use Fake Emergencies to Steal Your Money

Examples of Family Emergency Scams

Scammers are good at pretending to be someone that they’re not. They try to trick you into thinking a loved one is in trouble. Here’s how the scam might work:

(View or share the YouTube version of this video.)

Here’s a real-life example of a family emergency scam:

(View or share the YouTube version of this video.)

If you get a family emergency scam call, here’s how it might go:

 

 

And once the scammer makes you think they’re your grandson and in trouble, they pressure you to quickly send them money. But it’s all a scam. Your family member was never in trouble. Slow down. Verify.

How Scammers Convince You

The scammer may already know a lot about you or the person they’re pretending to be. They may know your name, where you live, and other information they could have found on social media sites or by hacking a family member’s email. And sometimes they simply guess.

But they always say you have to pay right away by wiring money through a company like Western Union or MoneyGram, sending cryptocurrency, using a payment app, or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the numbers on the back. Here are other tactics scammers use in fake emergency scams:

• Scammers might pretend to be an “authority figure,” like a fake lawyer, police officer, or doctor working with your family member. It makes them sound more convincing, and they hope it scares you.
• Some scammers use artificial intelligence (AI) to clone your loved one’s voice. With a short audio clip — maybe from content posted online — and a voice-cloning program, a scammer could call you and sound just like your family member. 

What do fake emergency scams have in common?

• The scammer will say it’s urgent and that you’re the only one who can help.
• The scammer might tell you it’s important to keep it secret. They don’t want you talking to other family members and friends and realizing it’s a scam.
• The scammers will play with your emotions. They’re counting on you to act quickly to help your family or friend. And they’re counting on you to pay without stopping to check out whether there’s really an emergency. If you get a call like this, you can be sure this is a scam.

What To Do If You Get a Call About a Family Emergency

If someone calls or sends a message claiming to be a family member or a friend desperate for money, don’t trust the voice on the line — even if it sounds like your family member or friend. Scammers are good at faking it. Here’s what to do to verify the person’s identity:

• Resist the pressure to react and send money immediately. Hang up — or tell the person you’ll call them right back. If you don’t feel comfortable hanging up, try asking a question only the real person would know the answer to, like “What kind of dog do you have?” or “Where did you spend Thanksgiving last year?”

• Use a phone number you know is right to call or message the family member or friend who (supposedly) contacted you. Ask them if they’re really in trouble.

• Call someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if the caller said to keep it a secret — or sounds like a loved one. Do that especially if you can’t reach the friend or family member who’s supposed to be in trouble. A trusted person can help you figure out whether the story is true.

If You Sent Money to a Scammer

Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way. They often insist that you can only pay in ways that make it tough to get your money back — by wiring money through a company like Western Union or MoneyGram, sending cryptocurrency, using a payment app, or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the numbers on the back. No matter how you paid a scammer, the sooner you act, the better. Learn more about how to get your money back.

Report Fraud

If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general.

*This information is from the FTC (Federal Trade Communications) Website

Ways to Check if a Website is Legit or Trying to Scam You

Hackers and Cybersecurity professionals put a lot of time and effort into making fraudulent websites look as legitimate as possible. Below are some ways to check if a website is legitimate or trying to scam you.

Carefully Look at the Address bar and URL

• Be sure that the site is secured by looking at the address bar (URL) to see if there is an “s” in the URL, which should look like this “https://” to start with or has a lock symbol in the address bar. This does not guarantee against a scam site, but it shows that the site owner is using secured encryption processes to transfer data and protect itself from hackers.

Check the Contact Page

• Review the options for contacting the company. If you don’t see multiple options (phone, email, live chat, or physical address) then proceed with caution.
• Note that one can fake contact details and may lead to calls being made to different call center’s which could lead to phishing scams

Review the Company’s Social Media Presence

• Most legitimate companies have some social media presence and activity. If you see the social media icons on their website, see if they link to a social media channel, and review the company reviews and see if you can find real employees of the company on LinkedIn. 
• Though this would out multiple scams, it is still not a guarantee, if something looks “too good to be true, it isn’t”

Double Check The Domain Name

• Scammers will tend to create “similar” domain names to trick the user into thinking they are on a legit site, like Yah00.com or Amaz0b.net, making subtle changes that you may not even notice. Always double check the address bar to see if you have been redirected to a website that is not legitimate. 

Look Up the Domain Age

• It is easy to look up the age of a website domain. Verifying the age of a site helps provide you with confidence that it has been in business for an established amount of time. Scam and fake sites usually have a short lifespan as they are rooted out early and shut down by legitimate business site owners. 

Watch for Poor Grammar and Spelling

• Legitimate company websites will take great care in having a professional looking site. An excess of spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors could mean the website went up quickly. Occasional typos on a website can happen, but excessive errors could mean you are not on a legitimate site.

Walk Away If It’s Too Good to be True

• Though it is a common practice for some retailers to provide large price discounts on items to move inventory or promote a new product or service, if you find a site that offers an unbelievable deal, then think twice before continuing. If it’s too good to be true, then it probably isn’t legit.

Do Your Research

• • A simple online search for the company’s reviews will tell you a lot about the business. See how recent the reviews are and if you see proactive responses from the company (where available.)
  • Use the Better Business Bureau to research the reputation of a company.

Android Support Page – Get manufacturer help for your Android device, searchable by brand

Samsung Support Page – a searchable page for operating all Samsung mobile devices, including set-up, basic operations, and advanced uses

Samsung User Manuals – provides links to the PDFs of all Samsung mobile device models, and provides instructions on how to access the user manual on your phone

New to Chromebook– Switch to a Chromebook, Set up your Chromebook, Migrate from Cloud Print, Set up your printer, Chromebook security

Chromebook shortcuts – Chromebook keyboard shortcuts

Chromebook support – Chromebook help

iPad User Guide – a searchable user guide on learning the basic of operating an iPad

iPad Support Page  – a page of various weblinks for different iPhone uses including how to back up your data, managing your Apple ID, etc.

Apple’s iPad Forum – a community forum for troubleshooting iPad devices

Move from Android to iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch  -instructions from Apple on how to transfer data from an Android device to an iPhone

Move from iPhone to Android – instructions from Samsung on how to transfer data from an Android device to an iPhone

Move from Android to a Google Pixel Phone Instructions from Google on how to transfer data from an Android OS Device to a Google Pixel Phone.

Move from iPhone to a Google Pixel Phone Instructions from Google on how to transfer data from an iPhone to a Google Pixel Phone.

Digital Learn is Interactive and adaptive software that allows you to learn digital skills.

Intro to Email This 15-minute self-paced course is for any person new to email. Learn what email is, how to set-up an email account, how to reply to and send emails, and more.

GCFGlobal.org program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century by offering self-paced online courses.

From Microsoft Office and email, to reading, math, and more – GCF Global.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 2,300 lessons, more than 2,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.

Click Here to Begin

TypingClub is the most effective way to learn how to type.

Learn touch typing online using TypingClub’s free typing courses.
It includes 650 typing games .
Keep practicing each lesson until you get all five stars.

Click Here to Begin

Typing.com

Join millions of Typing.com users and learn to type at your own pace with free gamified lessons and student-led progression.

Click here to begin

Office 365 Essential Reference Guide

Outlook 2021 Basic Reference Guide

Word 2021 Basic Reference Guide

Word 2021 Intermediate Reference Guide

Word 2021 Advanced Reference Guide

Excel 2021 Basic Reference Guide

Excel 2021 Intermediate Reference Guide

Excel 2021 Advanced Reference Guide

PowerPoint 2021 Basic Reference Guide

PowerPoint 2021 Intermediate Reference Guide

Make the Pointer aka Cursor Easier to see on Your MacBook 

Make the Pointer aka Cursor Easier to see on Your Windows PC or Laptop

Beginner’s and Senior’s Guide to Computers This extensive website goes through the basics of computer operation, using the internet internet, data, security, email, hardware, software. A passion project by a web developer with over 40 years of experience. Beginner’s and Senior’s Guide to Computers also has a blog and Youtube channel with video tutorials. 

Techboomers.com Learn how to use sites, apps, and devices for free!  They publish articles and videos that include introductions to popular websites and apps that describe what they are and how they can be useful. They also have lists of trips and tricks for certain websites, apps, and programs. Also check out their important primers on how people can protect their safety and privacy online against viruses, spyware, and scammers. 

Senior Planet by AARP Senior Planet is a website that offers free classes, articles, videos, and activities to help seniors learn new skills. With a goal to connect older adults to tech and it’s many benefits, they offer free online classes, publish articles, and video tutorials. 

The goal of the Computers with Causes is to provide a refurbished computer gifted by generous donors towards an educational, future learning program, foster home or disabled veteran in need.

This program provides:

– Refurbished computers

We get an overwhelming amount of gifted computer requests every year. We do a strict need assessment, background, and reference check, which helps us eliminate false requests and benefit those truly in need. If you or your organization truly “are in need”, chances are we will be in contact with you. Sometimes this can be weeks, so please be patient. We have a very limited volunteer staff and strive to meet all application demands in a timely manner.

Be advised that if you are currently receiving assistance from one or more of these sources (TANF, SSI, SSDI, Welfare, Food Stamps, etc..) acceptance of tangible property, gifts, financial assistance or services (Additional income) may affect or terminate your current benefits.

Please do not call our phone lines. Our phone lines are dedicated to accepting donations.

We invite anyone in need of a working computer to complete the application below. We have a full list of the causes we support (causes) with our main emphasis being the assistance of; students, teachers, and parents, the elderly, foster homes, shelters, disabled US veterans and struggling military families, and like-minded nonprofit organizations.

We do a strict need assessment, background and reference check, which helps us eliminate false requests and benefit those truly in need. If you or your nonprofit truly “are in need” and we are able to help, we will certainly contact you. Sometimes this can be weeks, so please be patient. We have a limited volunteer staff and strive to meet all application demands in a timely manner.

Please complete the form and tell us why you are a candidate for a gifted computer. Also be advised that if you are currently receiving assistance from one or more of these sources (TANF, SSI, SSDI, Welfare, Food Stamps, etc..) acceptance of tangible property, gifts, financial assistance or services (additional income) may affect or terminate your current benefits. After the application is submitted, we will review the information provided, then review our inventory, and if we are able to assist you then you will be contacted within 30 days. All applications are valid for 30 days, so if you do not hear from us within that time frame then you can apply again.

Learn More

Government Assistance Program Accepted Proof:

• SNAP / EBT 
• Medi-Cal / Medicaid
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• SSDI (Social Security Disability)
• NSLP (National School Lunch Program)
• Public Housing Assistance or Section 8 voucher
• Lifeline
• Cal Grant Financial Aid
• Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
• Head Start
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

If the household does not receive any government benefits, they may provide proof of their yearly gross income. Households that make 250% of the federal poverty level threshold qualify for donations. Any documentation provided to prove income level must display dollar amounts that can be used to figure Annual Income. Must include the number of members in the household on purchase application.

Accepted forms of proof of income include:

• The prior year’s state, federal, or tribal tax return
• A Social Security statement of benefits
• Federal or tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
• A Veteran Administration statement of benefits
• A retirement/pension statement of benefits / Social Security benefits

Please note:

• Pay stubs are not accepted
• SNAP/EBT, Medi-Cal/Medicaid cards alone are not accepted.
  A letter/document that confirms the active benefit is required.
• The documentation must be dated within the last 6 months and it must be an active benefit.
• Households will be required to submit eligibility every 15 months.

PCs for People provides refurbished computers to eligible customers for affordable prices. We also provide low-cost high-speed internet solutions. Through computers, internet, digital skills training, and technical support, we work to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential through digital technology.

Owning a computer and having internet service shouldn’t empty your wallet.

This program provides:

– Refurbished Desktop and Laptop Computers
– Low-Cost Mobile Internet
– Affordable Computer Repair

Please visit the website for more information about acceptable eligibility documentation. If you have questions about documentation that is not listed on the website, please contact one of the offices by phone or email. Any proof of eligibility is subject to approval by PCs for People staff. Additional documents may be required to unquestioningly prove income or enrollment in government assistance program. Once you have your documentation ready, there are three ways to send it in, online while placing an order, by email, or by faxing it to 651-666-1045.

Eligibility approval for online orders may take up to 2 business days. If you are eligible, you can purchase computers online, or come to one of our stores where computers are available ranging from $0 to $150.

Eligibility Requirements:

Qualifying Income-Based Assistance Programs

• Adult & Child Mental Health Case Management
• Employment Services (only if income-based in your state)
• Extended Foster Care
• Food Support (a dated letter showing current eligibility is required)
• Financial Assistance, such as GA, TANF, etc. (a dated letter showing current eligibility is required)
• Head Start
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Medicaid or Medical Assistance (bring a document that says “MA” or “Medical Assistance” on it)
• The National School Lunch Program’s Free or Reduced Lunch Program
• Section 8, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Group Residential Housing (GRH)
• Section 42, Low Income Housing Tax Credit unit or other HUD low income program
• Social Security Disability (SSD)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Pell Grant

Qualifying Income Documentation

• The prior year’s state, federal, or tribal tax return (W2 forms or pay stubs are not acceptable)
• A Social Security statement of benefits 
• A Veteran Administration statement of benefits (VA cards alone are not accepted)
• A retirement/pension statement of benefits 
• An Unemployment/Workmen’s Compensation statement of benefits 
• Federal or tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance

Learn More

Get Affordable Internet with Spectrum Internet Assist or Internet Advantage, available to qualified households

Qualifications:

A member of your household must be a recipient of one of these assistance programs:

Enroll Online

Here are some direct options from T-Mobile for those being impacted by the end of the ACP:

Assurance Wireless: Existing customers using their ACP benefit with Assurance Wireless will keep their service through August 2024 without any changes to their price or plan. After that time, they’ll need to qualify for Lifeline, a free federal assistance program — if they don’t already have it — or move to another low-cost T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile plan.

For more, visit: assurancewireless.com

Metro by T-Mobile: If you’re already a Metro by T-Mobile customer with ACP, the prepaid wireless provider will cover your discount through your June bill date, and then offer a monthly $15 discount on your ACP line through August 2024. At Metro, you’re never locked into a contract so you can stay on the plan you have or choose from any of Metro’s plans, starting at $35 your first month and $30 per month thereafter with AutoPay for unlimited talk and text and 5GB of high-speed data on America’s largest 5G network.

For anyone looking for a new option, Metro offers new customers who already have a phone they love unlimited talk, text and nationwide 5G data, Scam Shield protections and other benefits for $30 your first month and $25 with AutoPay after. Plus, with a voice line, you can also sign up for 5G home internet from Metro by T-Mobile as well.

For more, visit: metrobyt-mobile.com

Connect by T-Mobile: Another valuable prepaid option that provides wireless access at a low cost. For $15 a month, you can get unlimited talk and texts along with 5GB of 5G data on America’s largest 5G network.

For more, visit: prepaid.t-mobile.com/connect

T-Mobile prepaid data plans: Tablet and hotspot 5G mobile internet data plans starting at $10 per month for 2GB of data and up.

For more, visit: https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/prepaid-internet

How T-Mobile’s Project 10Million is also helping bridge the digital divide:

The ACP was designed to bridge the digital divide, helping individuals and families gain access to essential online services, educational resources, job opportunities and more.

This philosophy is the backbone of T-Mobile’s Project 10Million, a $10.7 billion nationwide initiative aimed at helping to close the digital divide in education by offering free internet connectivity and mobile hotspots to up to 10 million eligible student households. The company also offers school districts free and heavily subsidized data plans, and everyone enrolled in the program has access to affordable laptops and tablets. T-Mobile has provided $6.4 billion in services and connected nearly 6 million students across the United States through Project 10Million and its other education initiatives.

Reliable and affordable wireless and internet service is a necessity for all in today’s highly connected digital world, and we will continue to serve those customers affected by the end of the ACP.

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