Cell Phone Lending Program
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
Equity and Inclusion
| 2023
| Top Innovator
Innovation Synopsis
The Library District has taken this approach to technology outreach a step farther with a program for our most vulnerable residents. In April 2022, we launched a Cell Phone Lending Program, which provided 435 smart phones to low-income residents, and adults and teens experiencing homelessness.
Challenge/Opportunity
- Those experiencing homelessness use mobile devices as a life line – a primary means of staying connected to friends, families, and essential services.
- Our program puts internet connectivity into the hands of 435 at-risk adults and teens.
- Phones pre-loaded with contacts for social and employment services, community & library educational resources.
Key Elements of Innovation
- Partners: NV Homeless Alliance, NV Partnership for Homeless Youth, Premier Wireless.
- Funding: $200K Federal LTSA ARP Act grant via IMLS & NV State Library plus $20K ALA COVID Library Relief Fund grant.
- Pre-screened clients attended an event with one-on-one tutorials, a vendor fair with social service providers, library card sign-ups, immunizations and mobile shower truck.
- After 18 months, clients can keep their phone and number, and can continue service at their own expense.
Achieved Outcomes
Client survey:
- 82% new phone is their only personal access to the internet
- 80% use it to access social services
- 78% use it to apply for employment
Client comments:
- "I'm thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ for this phone and the library. Thank you for such a priceless resource."
- "This is a much-needed resource. I have been able to take care of many things. This program has really helped me a lot."
- "Very grateful to have access to email and internet."
- "Without this phone, man, I would most likely be dead."