The city leverages federal ARPA funds to provide free paychecks to those who need it most.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The City of Charlotte has used federal funding to connect hundreds of low-income families and seniors to free internet.
The city said connectivity is essential and a great relief as the cost of daily living increases.
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An event held in west Charlotte on February 1 connected dozens of low-income families and seniors to WiFi.
Latasha Pickett now has other ways to spend her paycheck.
“I don’t have to worry about bills anymore,” Pickett said. “Food, everything, I have nieces and nephews, so I have to buy treats for them and make sure they’re safe.”
Adrene Willis echoed this, saying she was barely getting by and living paycheck to paycheck.
“I’m in pain right now,” Willis said. “I could barely pay my internet bill today. All I could pay was rent and Duke Energy, and now I have no money at all.”
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The City of Charlotte can finance this through federal ARPA funds. City Commissioner Jamar Davis said while the internet is a luxury, it is becoming an essential utility.
“Having the internet to connect with your loved ones, that’s essential. Telemedicine? That’s important,” Davis said. “It may be difficult for some people to go to the hospital.”
According to the American Immigration Council, 1 in 22 people, or more than 900,000 people, lacked internet service in 2019.
Digital Navigator Denya Isabel Davis said the world is moving in the right direction when it comes to closing the digital divide.
“Just because you’re in a bad economy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have access to the resources that other people have,” says Isabel Davis.
There are 57 properties in Charlotte that offer free internet. A list of them can be found here. You can also connect to your digital navigator by calling 311.
Contact Austin Walker: awalker@wcnc.com and follow him Facebook, X and Instagram.
