GEO Project: Getting Everyone Online

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, home internet access was a privilege most of us enjoyed. Now it’s a necessity that many of our fellow citizens go without. The Public Good Society moved quickly to create a network of partners to provide internet service to homes that can’t afford it, including hardware when required.

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Here are things we saw when people got connected:

  • Students accessed the same learning opportunities as their classmates

  • Employment, volunteer, and education opportunities opened up

  • Critical public, private, and community sector services and programs

    became accessible

  • Accurate and up-to-date COVID-19 information became more available

  • Social connections increased dramatically (family and friends)

  • Increased household productivity and computer literacy

Here is what some people had to say after getting connected:

 
“Words cannot convey my feeling of thanks.”

”Before the pandemic, I could access the internet at libraries and other public spaces. It made me feel like a second-class citizen. When that was taken away, I didn’t feel like a citizen at all.”

“I feel like I won the lottery!”
 

Partner organizations that serve residents were engaged to act as sources of referrals into the program in order to manage demand. Our initial offer was to provide at least six months of high-speed internet access and a refurbished desktop computer to households that cannot afford it. Webcams and headsets were also available when needed.

Referral Partners included SchoolsPlus, The North Grove (formerly the Dartmouth Family Centre and Food Centre), Dartmouth Learning Network, Adsum Court, YWCA Women in Supported Housing (WISH), and LakeCity Works.

We are especially grateful to the GEO Project’s Funding Partners: Between the Bridges, Kiwanis Dartmouth, and United Way Halifax.

By February 2021, 50 computers had been distributed and 40 people had received home internet service at no cost.

With new funding and a growing network of delivery and referral partners, the Public Good Society is proud to support the launch of GEO Nova Scotia, an effort to expand services to include more people, and more communities across the province.