Tech Industry Unites to Provide Laptops and Internet for Wildfire Survivors

Tech Leaders Helping with Tech" Initiative to Support Displaced Residents

PASADENA, Calif., March 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, March 9, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, more than 400 residents affected by the recent wildfires will receive free laptops and internet access as part of a major relief effort. Human-I-T, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the digital divide and reducing e-waste, has partnered with the City of Pasadena, Laserfiche—a global leader in document management software—and other organizations to provide critical technology to those in need. This initiative will help affected residents stay connected, access essential resources, and begin rebuilding their lives.

"Technology is a lifeline in times of crisis and essential rebuilding," -- CEO of Human-I-T, Gabe Middleton.

"Our goal is to provide laptops and hotspots to our Pasadena and Altadena community members affected by the wildfires," said City of Pasadena, Chief Information Officer Phillip Leclair, "We appreciate IT leaders and organizations who have stepped in to make a difference."

"The outpouring of support has been incredibly heartwarming," said Laserfiche Chief Information Officer Thomas Phelps. "Phillip and I are incredibly grateful to tech leaders from East West Bank, Cathay Bank, The Beachbody Company, Metrolink, USC Marshall and many others who donated devices."

Additionally, companies like Lenovo, and Robert Half have stepped up to contribute, along with organizations such as Delete the Divide, the Los Angeles Digital Equity Action League (LA DEAL), EveryoneON, Ketchum YMCA LA, World Central Kitchen, CORE, and NAACP Pasadena. T-Mobile is providing hotspots to eligible households through the Project 10Million. 

With Human-I-T's distribution and organizational support, Leclair and Phelps are leading the Tech Leaders Helping with Tech initiative, rallying major players in the tech community to donate devices. Together, they have recruited nonprofit IT leadership organizations, including Innovate@UCLA, SIM Foundation,SCSIM, and ISACA Los Angeles.

"At Lenovo, we are deeply committed to supporting communities in times of crisis," said Lenovo Vice President of the U.S. Public Sector Leslie Harlien,. "Our laptop donation to the people of the Los Angeles region will help families and residents stay connected. Technology plays a critical role in recovery as more services, schooling, and our daily lives move online. Lenovo stands with the people of L.A. as they navigate this challenging time."

The need is still urgent. Many evacuees fled their homes with little more than their phones, making it difficult to complete online forms for assistance, find long-term housing, and access programs offering food and other necessities.

"We've seen time and again how access to technology can be a lifeline in times of crisis and essential for residents to begin rebuilding their lives," said CEO of Human-I-T, Gabe Middleton. "This generous support ensures we can provide not just devices, but hope and opportunity to those affected by this disaster. We are deeply grateful for all the partnerships within the tech community that are making digital access a cornerstone of disaster recovery."

Organizations with unused or refurbished devices to donate for the wildfire initiative can visit human-i-t.org/ca-wildfire-donation.

Los Angeles County residents affected by the wildfires can sign up for free devices (subject to availability) athuman-i-t.org/fire.

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SOURCE Human-I-T