PCs for People Expands to Richmond-Hampton Roads Megaregion

They're Bringing Technology Access to Underserved Communities

PCs for People, the nation’s largest nonprofit computer refurbisher, is bringing its mission to close the digital divide to the Richmond- Hampton Roads megaregion, a 120-mile-wide service area.

Begun in 1998 in Minnesota, PCs for People collects end of life computers – at no cost to the donating businesses and organizations – refurbishes them and installs the latest software, then provides the renewed desktop and laptop computers free or at low cost to underserved residents and families. Starting in spring 2025, the program, which operates in 10 major U.S. markets including Atlanta and Baltimore, will offer qualified individuals and families in the megaregion this transformative technology plus training and tech support.

The need for PCs for People is well documented. Over 40% of individuals living in poverty lack access to a computer, according to Pew Research. The average family receiving one and internet connection sees their income rise by 15% in the first year of ownership. 

Chambers of Commerce across the megaregion and RVA757 Connects helped in introducing PCs for People to the local business communities and potential funders. 

PCs for People so far has raised more than $800,000 as an initial base level start-up funding to go towards buying a building (on East Pembroke Avenue in Hampton) as well as a commercial truck plus hiring employees. Donations have come in, including $250,000 from Meta (parent company of Facebook), and from some local foundations and the Birdsong Health Literacy Center of Excellence.

Even before opening in Richmond and Hampton Roads, PCs for People has received outdated computers from nearly two dozen companies including Drucker + Falk, Birdsong Peanuts, Kemper Consulting, Hourigan, W.M. Jordan, Zel Technologies, and the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. It will start more regular pickups from businesses in 2025.

Nationwide PCs for People has assisted some 825,000 people. Now needy residents in central and eastern Virginia, thanks to our status as a megaregion, will join them. 

RVA757 Connects, a nonprofit organization, is a coalition of top business and organizational leaders in the Richmond area and Hampton Roads region, with a goal of advancing a bold vision to ignite the I-64 Innovation Corridor megaregion.