HOW TO SERVE INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT RELIABLE ACCESS TO INTERNET
PHONE BASED SERVICES
– Dial 211 – Community information and referral services. Info. Jersey City alternative numbers.
– SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline Toll-Free: 1-800-985-5990 (English and español)
– SMS: Text TalkWithUs to 66746
– SMS (español): “Hablanos” al 66746 TTY: 1-800-846-8517
– SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Toll-Free (English): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Toll-Free (español): 1-888-628-9454 TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center: Toll-Free: 1-800-308-3515
- NJ HOPELINE: 1-855-654-6735; www.njhopeline.com
- FAMILY HELPLINE: 1-800-THE-KIDS (843-5437), 24 hours a day – 7 days a week
- 1-800-GAMBLER: Resource for individuals addicted to gambling
PHONE CONFERENCING
- Freeconferencecall – get your own number to host conference calls
TEXTING OPTIONS
- Freecarrierlookup – Send texts through email by finding the “SMS Gateway” email address. Simply find the gateway and then send a text as an email from your computer to lists of up to 15 numbers at a time.
TECH OPTIONS
- PCs for People
– low cost computers, laptops and hotspots for individuals who can verify that
they are below the 200% poverty level OR are currently enrolled in an
income-based government assistance program
- New customer promo code NEWCUSTOMER for 20% off
- Comcast
Internet Essentials – low cost internet and devices for eligible
low-income individuals/families
- Internet access COVID-19 response – first 2 months free, about $10 per month thereafter
- Low cost computers available – $150 plus tax
- Physical flyers/promo materials are available for free
- Tech Refurbishers for Community Organizations
- Urban Renewal– (973) 710-0988;1015
INTERNET COVERAGE FOR LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS OR STUDENTS (updates due to COVID-19):
● Comcast – Comcast has increased the speeds of its Internet Essentials plan aimed at low-income earners as of March 16, Dana Strong, president of Comcast Cable consumer services, said in a blog post Thursday. This involves offering 60 days of free service, after which people will be charged $9.95 per month, and increasing speeds on this plan from 15/2Mbps to 25/3Mbps.”As our country continues to manage the COVID-19 emergency, we recognize that our company plays an important role in helping our customers stay connected – to their families, their workplaces, their schools, and the latest information about the virus – through the internet”.
● AT&T – AT&T is waiving fees for going over data caps, adding that many of its internet customers already have unlimited data. “Additionally, through Access from AT&T we’ll continue to offer internet data to qualifying limited income households for $10 a month,” an AT&T spokesperson added in an emailed statement.
- Spectrum Internet – Spectrum is offering free internet options for students. Spectrum to offer students free internet amid COVID-19 school closures
Comcast
“We shouldn’t have to worry about keeping the lights or internet on when we’re in the middle of a pandemic. Comcast has announced that it will be “offering free unlimited data, opening national Xfinity WiFi for free, waiving late fees, and helping low-income families in need.” To find out more, click here.”
AT&T
“AT&T has announced its “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge.” For the next 60 days, the company will not terminate wireless, home phone, or broadband services. It will waive any late fees and keep its WiFi hotspots open. To find out more info, click here.”
Public WiFi in Jersey City
- https://www.wiman.me/united-states/free-wifi-jersey-city – note that this is a 3rd party provider. Note that public WiFi is not always safe and secure. Utilize with caution.
- CityPost Kiosk Free WiFi posts – Wherever you see a CityPost Kiosk in Jersey City, you should be able to access free WiFi from that location. Map of locations here.
| RESOURCE TYPE (food, tech, educational, dependent care, health, employment, etc.) | RESOURCE Share the name and/or hyperlink for more information | LOCATION Specify the areas the resource covers – NY(specific boroughs if applicable), NJ, nationwide, etc. |
| TECH Internet connection/Wifi & computer equipment | Comcast – free internet Spectrum- free wifi 60 days and waived install fees. Xfinity free hotspot access. Optimum: special emergency hotspots for free: AT&T: Free hotspot access and $10 internet install for limited income households Altice Internet – Free for 60 days Free ipad for School-aged students | Check for eligibility based on zip code Check eligibility using zip code; Call 1-844-488-8395 Use linked map for hotspots Check eligibility using zip code; SSID: optimumwifiemergency All public hotspots are open everywhere. Check eligibility using zip code NY |
DIPNJ 