Google Gives Back to San Francisco
In an effort to reach out to the community and help a lot of people get back on their feet, Google is providing the homeless population of San Francisco with a free lifetime phone number and voicemail box. This will allow them receive messages from potential employers and actually have a phone number they can put down on a job application.
One of the biggest hurdles in making a transition from life on the streets and in shelters to a more normal existence is the ability to communcate and receive messages from employers, landlords, government offices, etc. Providing a free phone number and free voice mail could make the difference in hundreds of people’s lives in San Francisco.
“Providing phone and messaging capabilities and access to vital health care is an extraordinary step forward in the city’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of this vulnerable community,” said Gavin Newsom, mayor of San Francisco.
If the program is successful in San Francisco, there are plans to move it to other parts of the country.
Google is positionting itself as one of the most philathropic companies in the world, following the lead of Bill and Melinda Gates. The extensive chartible work being done by the tech community is something the industry can be very proud of, and Google is leading the way with programs such as the one in San Francisco.
“We’re firm believers in the power of technology to improve the daily lives of individuals and communities as a whole, and we recognize that access to phone and voicemail services is one way that Google can help San Francisco’s homeless stay connected with family, friends, social workers, health care providers, and potential employers,” said Craig Walker of Google.
Thanks to KNTV-TV and MSNBC for the info.
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