Understanding the vital necessity of technology in coping with recovery from last month’s Los Angeles-area fires, a range of nonprofit groups gave Altadena residents some much-needed support with tech and more on Sunday, March 9.
Human-I-T, a Long Beach-based nonprofit that repurposes old tech equipment and connects it with those who have need, organized a giveaway event called “Tech Leaders Helping with Tech” at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, in partnership with Laserfiche, a software company and the city of Pasadena.
The organizations provided 400 free laptops and hotspots to area residents impacted by the Eaton fire, with other participating organizations — among them T-Mobile, CORE, NAACP Pasadena, World Central Kitchen, YMCA LA, Delete the Divide, LA DEAL, and EveryoneON — providing a range of free goods and services, including headphones, counseling services, YMCA memberships, food cards and more.
“Today really represents the most beautiful thing about our community,” noted Gabe Middleton, co-founder & CEO of Human-I-T. “When we’re in need, a lot of us come together and step up and help out those who need it most, and today is another representation of that.
“People affected by the L.A. fires have lost so much,” he said. “That includes the digital tools and resources that they need to thrive in a digital age.”
The Rodriguez family of Altadena is an example of that.
“We lost our entire home and everything in it,” said Naomi Rodriguez, who registered for the event and arrived early to get a laptop and peripheral material, along with her husband, Rodrigo, and daughter, Emilia, 13.
“I wanted to fill out the L.A. relief fire grant and it’s not mobile-friendly,” she said, like others who managed to flee their house only with a phone. “A lot of things are not mobile-friendly.
She described trying to fill out rental applications as well. “Do you know how hard it is? You’re having to toggle from one page to another on your mobile.”
Human-I-T not only helped secure equipment, but gave tech advice for setup and trouble shooting, with both English- and Spanish-speaking professionals.
“The disaster affected people in so many different ways and technology was definitely one of them, and it really exacerbated the need,” said A.J. Middleton, senior vice president of programs with Human-I-T.
He pointed out that the need is paramount for many things people need to accomplish, including issues with work, housing, or just staying connected to family.
“Whatever it is they may need to accomplish, technology is needed this at this point and this event today is a great example of how we can help fill that need,” he said.
Middleton noted that, while they were able to provide for hundreds of people today, people are encouraged to reach out if they still face technological challenges.
“Any individual who needs additional support, by all means, please call or reach out to Human-I-T and we can see what we can do to support,” Middleton said.
Jarret Liotta is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and photographer.