Digital Inclusion Partnership for Homelessness

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This partnership aims to meet the software, hardware, and technical support needs of shelters and service providers, especially those with little or no technological capacity. In addition, the DIP aims to respond to the accessibility needs of homeless individuals, with the hopes of fostering social inclusion. The following is a list of partners who are working toward this goal:

Computers for Schools (Industry Canada)
Computers for Schools (CFS) is a national, federal government-led program that operates in cooperation with all provinces and territories, and the private and voluntary sectors. This program collects, repairs, and refurbishes donated surplus computers from government and private sector sources and distributes them to schools, libraries and non-profit organizations throughout Canada.

As a key partner, CFS has agreed to respond to requests from shelters for computer hardware and upgrades. CFS also provides useful knowledge about overcoming barriers to information technology accessibility.

McAfee
McAfee has recently joined the Digital Inclusion Partnership (DIP) for Homelessness and will be providing 450 free McAfee VirusScan Plus subscriptions to homeless shelters across Canada, in order to ensure the protection of operational and sensitive client information.

Microsoft Canada
Microsoft Canada’s contribution to the DIP falls under their Partners in Learning Program. Microsoft Canada believes that technology has the potential to remove barriers everywhere. To ensure digital inclusion and access to learning for homeless individuals, Microsoft has donated 300 Windows XP Professional Operating Systems and 300 Office 2003 Professional Edition Office Suites to homeless shelters across Canada.

TelecomPioneers of Canada
Founded in 1911, TelecomPioneers is the world’s largest industry-based volunteer organization. The 750,000 members of the TelecomPioneers organization are employees and retirees of the telecommunications industry. The Canadian branch - TelecomPioneers of Canada - consisting of more than 20,000 volunteers, is partnered with the Homelessness Partnering Secretariat. These skilled volunteers can provide shelters with a variety of services, ranging from technical support to computer skills training.

DIP Contacts

Computer Request Form

McAfee anti VirusScan Plus Request Form