The state of California had been considering the Lifeline option for the state’s homeless population. Lifeline is a government funded free phone service for people with a yearly income below $14,702. They finally reached a decision December 6th, 2012 and the homeless support groups of California could breathe a heavy sigh of relief.
The California Public Utilities Commission had many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to provide their homeless population with Lifeline phones.This service would not only help these people living on extremely low incomes, it would bring about a better future.
Cell phones of course help us stay in touch with family and friends, but they’re also vital in the, already exhausting, job search process. A homeless woman in California explains she is having trouble finding a job due to her lack of communication opportunities.
She has applied to several restaurants to be a waitress, with no phone number to list on the application. She explains she feels hopeless without a way for potential employers to get back to her.
Bevan Dufty, head of Homeless Initiatives, explains cell phones could also help people find open beds and shelters by dialing a 311 number. By having this information immediately available, homeless people, especially women and children, are safer. Homeless people are accustomed to walking miles in search of an open shelter and it’s just not safe.
The road to prosperity and success is not an easy one as telecommunication specialists and Californian administrators are finding out. Bill Johnston, CPUC telecommunications expert, explained setting up the Lifeline program in any state is not an easy process. Being that there are so many regulations to go through and uphold, California had their work cut out for them.
Assurance Wireless, a Lifeline service provider, will be taking on those in California who qualify for Lifeline phones. Jayne Wallace, an Assurance Wireless spokesperson, is excited to move on with the project and says she know from experience what a positive impact Lifeline has on people’s lives.
The phones are not completely free for the homeless due to California’s legislation, but are extremely discounted. Participants who do not already own a Lifeline phone in their household will receive a Virgin Mobile phone for $20.
This $20 will be returned as credit to the individual and used only if they exceed Lifeline’s limit of 250 free minutes and 250 free texts. This operation seems like a fair tradeoff for the homeless population in California.
Dufty states he wishes the $20 charge could be provided a different way other than out of the pockets of the homeless individual, but remains positive and is happy for the opportunity.
This is an amazing program and really speaks for our country and its development. The success and improvement of these people rests solely in the hands of those more fortunate. Low income families and homeless people across the nation will finally have a chance to compete in our dog-eat-dog world.
The future of our country is in everyone’s hands, no matter their economic status.
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