Enable us to provide the internet in our houses to fight digital poverty. Help our clients be connected and well during lockdown and beyond.
Any additional money raised will be used to pay for the costs of installing internet access in the two new shared houses we plan to take on this summer as well as making sure we can keep all our Boaz houses online beyond the end of this first year.
Digital poverty and exclusion
In 2020, many of us have access to the internet at the click of a button or a flick of a finger, without thinking about where we are. Unfortunately, many of our clients aren't in this position. As well as the severe material poverty of destitution, they are faced with the reality of digital poverty and exclusion on a daily basis. This means that access to the internet is limited to physically being in public locations such as libraries, at the Boaz office, or at other organisations across the city.
Getting our clients connected
During the lockdown season, we believe that being connected and having access to tools to support physical and mental health is really important. So to help with this, we're planning to install the internet in our accommodation as a matter of urgency.
Providing this will allow improved and increased means of communication with staff, as well as friends, families and communities, both in Manchester and further afield.
It would allow refugee clients to access Universal Credit, systems to support accessing longer term accommodation options, and employment related sites. For clients seeking asylum, they would be able to use it to progress their asylum claims.
In addition, internet access will help people to support their mental and physical health by providing access to entertainment, ESOL and other online learning opportunities, volunteering activities, as well as health and exercise apps, videos and classes.
We can't do this without you
We're looking to raise the costs of set up and 1 year of internet provision in 18 of our houses, currently accommodating 69 people. It will cost us just under £200 to set up the internet in each house, with an annual cost of around £300-350 for each property.
Our housing manager and client support team will be supporting our clients through the process of getting connected, but we can only do this with your support. We are hopeful of meeting our target - any funds raised beyond our target will be used to continue providing internet access into the future. Any help would be gratefully received - thank you so much!