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BC Digital Divide
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Apply to Get a Computer

The focus of our organization is on helping people bridge the proverbial "digital divide". Our mission is to provide the opportunity to get a computer to those who would otherwise not be able to afford one.

Many hours of work are donated by volunteers to make available computers that are in perfect running order. Those volunteering their time and those donating the equipment are doing so on the implicit trust that the designated recipients truly can't afford to buy a computer on their own. If you're not sure whether you should apply then here are some basic guidelines:

  • If you drive a vehicle then you should NOT be applying for a computer from us.
  • If your phone bill(s) are more than $30 per month then you should NOT be applying for a computer from us.
  • If you have anything more than basic cable then you should NOT be applying for a computer from us.
  • If you had a computer but it recently broke down then you should NOT be applying for a computer from us.

We encourage you to think very carefully about this before you apply. For there are truly needy people out there who do need our help.

Please also be fully aware that our work ends once we've provided you with a good, working computer. Just like a car, no computer will work perfectly forever. When problems do arise you will need to get someone else to fix them. However, we have convinced several local techs to help out our recipients at reduced rates - though they DO need to be paid. Please review our Resources page for more information.

Special Note for people who live outside of Metro Vancouver: We have no consistent way to get a computer to you. Once or twice a year we have a volunteer who's able to help out but more often than not we don't. So if you are applying, you really should have a way to pick up a system from us in Metro Vancouver. Further to this, we've had a number of people ask us to ship them the equipment. This is not possible. Please be aware that based on packing costs, weight, and size, such shipping costs would likely be well over $200. If you can afford to spend that much money on shipping then you should look into purchasing a new or used computer in your community.

If you'd like to find out what kind of computers we have available then please click here. If you would like to apply to get a computer then please click on 'Create new account' on the left. Then login and return to this page. You will be presented with an application form. Fill it out and this will start the application process.
 
We strongly encourage you to register on our site and apply for a computer online. This is by far the fastest way of getting yourself into the waiting queue. But if you're willing to wait 1 or 2 extra months then you can also answer the questions shown below and mail your application to:

  BC Digital Divide
  PO Box 60520
  Vancouver, BC
  V6H 4B9

  • The address where the computer will be used, including postal code
  • A contact phone number and an e-mail address if you have one
  • A short explanation of why purchasing a new or used computer is currently impossible
  • A brief list of the members of your household who would be using the computer
  • What sorts of things you plan on using the computer for?
  • The relative computer experience that each person has
  • Would a printer benefit you? (Note: Printer ink cartridges cost $20 - $50 to replace)
  • Would you be connecting the computer to the Internet? If so, with a high-speed or dial-up connection?
  • Would you, through the help of friends or family, be able to pick-up the computer from us in Vancouver?
If you'd like to print out a form with these same questions on it then please click here