By Broderick Johnson, Comcast Executive Vice President for Public Policy and Executive Vice President for Digital Equity
Yesterday, at an event hosted by the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (MHCRC) and Comcast, we announced a vital $2 million investment to bridge the digital divide in Multnomah County. This initiative is more urgent than ever, as a recent report has underscored the critical role of internet access in today’s society. The necessity of being online is no longer a choice but a prerequisite for full participation in education, the workforce, healthcare, and civic and cultural life. The statistics about people in Multnomah County without broadband internet at home are alarming: 18% of households with incomes under $30,000, 28% of residents aged 65 and older, and 30% of Hispanic households.
Free Geek, a local nonprofit that does incredible work promoting economic equity through tech training and career-building programs, will receive $1 million as part of this initiative. They plan to use it to buy more than 3,700 discounted laptops from Dell, which will be distributed to people in the community who need them the most. Comcast is a key partner in this initiative and has stepped in to provide more than just devices. We’ll create even more Lift Zones — places where students, families, veterans, and other community members can access free Wi-Fi. Comcast has already installed 23 Lift Zones across community centers and nonprofit organizations in Oregon.
Juan Muro, the Executive Director of Free Geek, emphasized the persistent digital divide in Multnomah County. He pointed out that over 3,000 residents still lack a computer, and many others struggle with digital skills. Juan stressed how this investment will significantly narrow this gap, providing families and their children with the devices and digital skills they need to succeed, particularly in school. Following the announcement, Free Geek immediately distributed 500 brand-new Dell laptops to families who had been eagerly awaiting them, marking the beginning of a positive change in the community.
I echoed these concerns, pointing out how the need for more resources and digital skills is still a big hurdle for many. Together, we highlighted how the partnership with Comcast and MHCRC, and the expansion of Lift Zones will help create a more inclusive workforce and ensure that under-resourced communities and individuals aren’t left behind.
This investment is a testament to this partnership’s dedication to advance digital equity in Multnomah County. Last year, Comcast and MHCRC invested $2 million into Free Geek and their digital equity initiatives. Thanks to this support, Free Geek has already made significant progress, including hiring more digital navigators, providing internet services to 3,200 community members, distributing over 600 laptops, offering digital skills training, and expanding their partnerships with other nonprofits like Hacienda CDC, IRCO, Latino Network, and more. This commitment demonstrates that we are on the right path to bridging the digital divide.
Over the last three years, Comcast has contributed over $5 million to Oregon nonprofits, helping build a network of digital equity partners in the state. This network, which aims to bridge the digital divide in our communities, has used these funds to acquire technology, provide digital skills training, and create opportunities for people to explore tech-related careers and develop the skills needed to launch their own businesses. There is more work to do, but this kind of support is helping make sure that no one in the community is left behind in today’s digital world.
