COMCAST AND FAMILY PROMISES FROM SPOKANE LAUNCH FREE WIFI-CONNECTED “LIFT ZONES” IN LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT

Spokane Nonprofit Uses Technology to Promote Family Programming During COVID19 Pandemic

Spokane, Washington – News Direct – Comcast Washington

Comcast Washington and Family Promise of Spokane today announced the opening of wifi-connected elevator zones at three family properties in the city of Spokane. Comcast is equipping Family Promise Homes with free, robust WiFi technology that helps dozens of high-risk students attend distance learning and do their homework, and ensures adults and families can access the online resources they need when they need it they are trying to move to a stable home.

In addition to Lift Zones, Comcast is making new laptop computers available to support the Family Promise of Spokane transitional residential program. The new devices provide families moving into permanent housing with technology they can use for school, job hunting, application for aid programs, and more.

The COVID-19 crisis has also exacerbated the internet and technology access gap that adults and families living in homelessness are experiencing. Comcast Lift Zones are uniquely positioned to address this problem by making robust WiFi technology available for free in community centers that do not have consistent access to the Internet.

Elevator zones in the following properties provide internet connectivity and technology access in a safe and positive location, and fuel Family Promise of Spokane’s efforts to help families transition from homelessness to a more stable situation:

The Mission House – 2012 E Mission Ave Spokane, WA 99202

Open Doors Family Emergency Shelter – 2002 E Mission Ave Spokane, WA 99202

The Harston House – 904 E Hartson Ave Spokane, WA 99202

“For the families we care for, the Internet is an important tool that helps them connect to as many different resources as they need. From learning online for their kids to finding a home and job, to applying for government assistance and resources, it’s invaluable, especially during this global pandemic, ”said Joe Ader, Executive Director, Spokane’s Family Promise. “By providing free connectivity for families, Comcast is helping us make a huge impact at a time when it is desperately needed.”

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The new robust WiFi coverage is so effective that the number of troubleshooting cases the IT and data systems team manages for families on site has been reduced, leaving them free to focus on other programs the shelter is in to combat homelessness Spokane County is building.

“The Internet is one of the most important resources we offer our customers, and before Comcast Lift Zone technology, we typically had around 60 connectivity problems in a given week,” said J Wylie, IT and data systems manager for Spokane’s Family Promise. “The new WiFi connection has greatly reduced these issues, allowing my team to focus on other technology and data projects that will help us better understand and serve our vulnerable local community members.”

“Our work with Family Promise over the past few years has focused on filling the gaps in digital justice by providing affordable internet connectivity to local families moving out of homelessness,” said Kris Workman, senior director, Comcast in Spokane. “By opening elevator zones in these properties, we can take this work a step further by providing these Family Promise buildings with robust WiFi connectivity that their families can use while they are on site.”

Lift Zones complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program and are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to connecting low-income families in and out of the home to the Internet. Comcast plans to complete 80 elevator zones in Washington by the end of 2021.

Internet Essentials is Comcast’s signature digital equity initiative and the largest and most comprehensive broadband induction program in the country. As of 2011, Internet Essentials has connected more than 10 million people in America to home broadband Internet, including 60,000 in Spokane County.

Today’s announcement also follows Comcast’s recent $ 1 billion commitment over the next 10 years to further bridge the digital divide and give even more low-income students and families the tools and resources they need need to be successful in a digital world.

For more information on Comcast’s comprehensive connectivity program for Low Income Americans, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/values/internet-essentials

About the Spokane Family Promise

Family Promise of Spokane helps local communities coordinate their compassion to address the root causes of family homelessness. The organization taps existing local resources to help families achieve economic stability. Families come to them in times of crisis; Family Promise of Spokane helps them rebuild their lives with new skills and ongoing support. The nonprofit takes a holistic approach to the problem, providing prevention services before families are in crisis, shelter and case management when they become homeless, and stabilization programs once they have found shelter to ensure they remain independent. More information can be found at www.familypromiseofspokane.org/

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three main businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable, under the Xfinity brand, is one of the largest video, high-speed Internet and telephone providers in the USA for private customers and also offers these services to companies. It also provides wireless, security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal operates worldwide, operating news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production companies, television broadcasting groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of the leading media and entertainment companies in Europe, connecting customers to a wide range of video content through its pay-TV services. It also provides communication services including high-speed home internet, telephone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcasting network as well as sports and entertainment networks, produces original content and has exclusive rights to the content. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Contact details

Comcast Washington

Nick McDonald

+1 425-977-5565

[email protected]

Spokane Family Promise

Craig Howard

+15097683083

[email protected]

Company website

https://washington.comcast.com/

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