Most adults in America use a computer at some point. They need it for work, pleasure, or simply to keep up with communicating with others. Millions of people need a computer today to be able to work from home. The good news is that there are options that provide financial help for ex-felons to help buy a laptop or desktop.
New computers can cost hundreds or even thousands to purchase, which may be a challenge for many people. Ex-felons who need a computer and do not have the funds to purchase one do have options they can consider. It is a good idea to consider the numerous options available to determine which one is going to work the best to provide you with the financial help to be able to purchase a laptop or desktop, whether you need it for work purposes or for pleasure.
Financial Help Options for Ex-Felons to Purchase a Computer
If you are an ex-felon who is in need of a computer and lack the funds to purchase one it may seem like an uphill battle. Do not give up though, because there are programs that will provide you with a computer, and additional ways to obtain the funds to purchase a computer. Below are a variety of options to consider that will help you be able to get a computer. They are all open to ex-felons, too!
Being an ex-felon should not keep you from being able to obtain assistance with purchasing a computer. It also should not keep you from being able to get help or funding with paying for ongoing internet service. Most places are not going to inquire about whether or not you are an ex-felon. They also likely will not ask if you have any criminal record. They will mostly be concerned with your financial status, so they are helping people who need financial assistance.
Options for ex-felons to obtain a computer:
- Everyone On. This organization focuses on helping people obtain a computer who otherwise would not be able to afford one. They also help people gain access to low-cost internet service, so that you can use the computer for a variety of online purposes. If you are approved for the program, they will pay $30 per month to pay for your internet service bill. To find one of their locations in your area, go to their website and put your zip code in. It will provide a list of places that participate in the program. You can reach out to them to get a computer, as well as sign up to get help paying for monthly internet service. To get more information, click here.
- PCs for People. This organization focuses on providing affordable computer access for everyone, including ex-felons. To qualify for help with obtaining a computer you have to meet the qualifications, which include providing photo identification and receiving government assistance. If you are someone who gets any type of government financial assistance you may meet the requirements to obtain a free computer. To get more information and see if you qualify, click here.
- CTN Community Tech Network. This organization helps people with their internet access and being able to obtain a computer. Their goal is to help more people have access to the internet. You may be able to get assistance through this organization to obtain a free computer, as well as get free or discounted internet access to your home. To get more information, click here.
- One Degree. This organization helps people obtain financial assistance to purchase a laptop or desktop computer. To qualify, you have to have a low income and will need to show proof of income. To get more information, click here.
- Thrift stores. There are thrift stores all around the country and many of them have low cost computers. If you can afford the low fee they are asking for the computer then you can just purchase it. If you see one in the thrift store and do not have the funds to pay for it, speak with the store manager. Depending on the type of thrift store it is, they may be willing to work with you on the price or give it to you free of charge. This is especially true if it is a church-based thrift store. Habitat for Humanity thrift stores are another good option to try for obtaining a free or low cost used computer.
- Churches and other organizations. There are numerous organizations that are found in or near most big cities around the country that will help people with obtaining a computer. Their services are available to ex-felons who need a computer, too. Reach out to places in your computer like churches, the Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities, to see if they can help you obtain a computer. They will especially be more willing to help you if the computer is needed for work purposes or you have another reason you can share with them that is meaningful.
In the Meantime
There are financial help programs for ex-felons to help with buying a laptop or desktop, but if you need to use a computer right away you do have options. Stop by your local library. Most library branches have some computers there that are open to the public. You may have to get a library card to use them, which should be free or cost $1, and then you can usually use the computers for free. The time spent on them may be limited if others need to use it as well.
Ask around to your friends, family, and people in your community. Many people replace their computer and do not know what to do with their older one, which probably still works fine. They may be happy to give you their old computer, which will give you something to start off with, and you can always get it replaced with something newer later down the line.
