StandUp Wireless Expands Successful Community Partner Program in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA – StandUp Wireless announced plans today to expand its Community Partner Program to local social service agencies in Philadelphia following a successful nationwide pilot effort. During the pilot initiative, the wireless company partnered with key nonprofit community organizations in Philadelphia and across the country to provide more than 1,000 low-income Americans with free wireless cell phone services through the federal government’s Lifeline program.
Being able to connect with clients is vital to the success of social services agencies, but often their clients cannot afford reliable cell phone service. StandUp Wireless recognized the need for these organizations and their clients to communicate and launched the Community Partner Program to allow agencies to easily help their clients sign up for quality, reliable cell phone service provided by the Lifeline program. Partner organizations receive a dedicated website where they can direct clients to quickly and easily find out if they qualify for the federal program and sign up to receive benefits.
Philadelphia nonprofit partners that participated in the pilot program include COMHAR Open Door Clubhouse and Pathways to Housing PA, as well as several social service agencies across the nation with missions aligned with StandUp Wireless’ purpose of lifting up our neighbors in their time of need. The no-cost partnership gives nonprofit organizations another tool to help meet client needs and stay connected despite recent shelter-in-place and social distancing orders brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
COMHAR Open Door Clubhouse offers psychiatric rehabilitation, education and employment support for individuals with mental health disabilities. COVID-19 has made accessing technology a priority for its clients, who need internet connections for online meetings with the organization. Many of the Open Door Clubhouse’s clients cannot afford wireless services.
“Our participants’ recovery depends on continued physical and mental health care, and the relationships they build with their peers,” said Sandie McRae-Wright, Program Director of COMHAR Open Door Clubhouse. “I want to thank StandUp Wireless for supporting this underserved population and ensuring our participants continue to have access to free smart phone service with free minutes to boot. They are able to continue their physical and mental care via telehealth services, online job searches and interviews, and Zoom meetings and activities with their Open Door Clubhouse peers three times a week. They are very excited and grateful.”
More than 20 Open Door Clubhouse participants have already received access to free wireless cell phone services.
“COMHAR Open Door Clubhouse was a natural fit for StandUp Wireless to partner with because we have a similar mission – to connect Americans in-need to the vital resources necessary to continue their path to success and well-being,” said StandUp Wireless Chief Operating Officer Eric Schimpf. “Open Door Clubhouse recognized that helping connect people to wireless services is essential. This community needs wireless connectivity in order to contact doctors, employers, family or the social service agency that is helping them during their time of need. We are proud to assist our community partners to provide service to those who need it most.”
Low-income Americans, including millions who are recently unemployed, need reliable wireless service to stay connected to loved ones, doctors, employers, Veterans Affairs offices and the very social service and community organizations tasked with lending a helping hand.
Further, COVID-19 safety measures have limited in-person interactions, proving wireless services are vital to keeping Americans connected to the digital economy and each other in a time of social distancing and restrictions for the health and safety of our communities.
StandUp Wireless fills the communications gap for Americans in need by offering free cell phone service to qualifying low-income Americans through the Lifeline program. StandUp Wireless plans offer at least 1,000 minutes and 3 GB of data every month. In some states, customers are eligible for unlimited minutes.
Millions of Americans – including those who have recently become unemployed due to the coronavirus pandemic – are eligible for Lifeline benefits, but they may need help registering online. StandUp Wireless’ community partners have helped people navigate the process and register in minutes, giving their clients access to free essential cell phone service.
Based out of Norcross, Ga., StandUp Wireless has provided Lifeline services in Pennsylvania since 2012, helping thousands of low-income consumers in the Keystone State stay connected and making Philadelphia the perfect city for the Community Partner Program expansion.
To learn more about the StandUp Wireless Partner program or to request more information, visit partners.standupwireless.com.
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About StandUp Wireless
For nearly 20 years, StandUp Wireless has connected hundreds of thousands of customers to what matters most, serving as a lifeline to family, employment opportunities, friends, healthcare providers and more. Licensed by the Universal Fund’s Lifeline program in 30 states and Puerto Rico, StandUp Wireless operates on the nation’s largest and fastest 4G network to bring free wireless cellphone and internet services to low-income Americans. For more information, visit https://standupwireless.com/.
