Frequently Asked Questions

General

Receive Tech

Tech Donations

Low-Cost Internet

TECH SUPPORT

General

Is human-I-T an IRS designated 501(c)3, non-profit organization?

Yes, human-I-T become a federally recognized charitable organization in 2012.

What makes human-I-T unique?

•Technology recipients are not charged. Technology is donated for FREE.
•We pick up your unwanted technology from your home or work for FREE.
•We DO NOT shred, smelter, grind or throw technology away.
•Recipients DO NOT have to volunteer to receive technology.

Our Story

Where can I direct press inquiries?

Please reach out to marketing@human-I-T.org for any press-related inquiries.

What is your federal tax ID?

Our tax ID number is 46-0773284

Which industries do you serve?

We accept donations from any industry that generates e-waste, which is most of them! We partner with everyone from Fortune 500 companies to mom-and-pop shops and everything in between to make sure their items are given a second life to help those in need.

Partners

What is your data destruction process?

Our data destruction process ensures that all data is thoroughly wiped to ensure it may no longer be retrieved. Every donation receives a Certificate of Data Destruction confirming that your data and/or the drives themselves were destroyed.

Specifically, it is through a NIST 800-88 method, random data is written through the entirety of the hard drive, destroying any recoverable data on the hard drive. Our data destruction software wiping methods are compliant with the following international standards/laws: HIPAA, US Department of Defense 5220.22 M, US Army AR380-19, US Air Force 502, German VIST, Russian GOST p50739-9, Canadian OPS-II, HMG IS5 Baseline/Enhanced, Navso P-5329-26, NCSC-TG-025 & NSA 130-2, NIST 800-88

Data Security

Receive Tech

What are the requirements for recipients to receive a technology donation (grant)?

Low-income: Households qualify based on current-year income or proof of EBT, free school lunches, or other government assistance.

‍Veterans: Any veteran with form DD-214 may apply.

‍Disabled Individuals: Any individuals receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income disability assistance.

‍Charitable organizations: IRS designated charities and not-for-profit schools.

I need a computer. How can I request a computer donation?

Currently, we have the resources to devote technology and staff time in territories that we have received programmatic funding for. To find out if you qualify for one of our programs please complete the online form.

Tech Donations

Do I have to pay a fee to donate my technology items?

No, there are no fees necessary to donate technology.

What technology items can I donate to human-I-T?

We accept every type of technology in any condition, excluding appliances. We take in anything from computers to scientific equipment, office phone systems, servers, smartphones, and more. Below you will find a short list of items we accept. To see a complete list, download our Accepted Items Sheet (PDF)

‍Computer Systems & Accessories: • All-in-Ones • CPUs • LCD Displays • Hard Drives • Hubs • Laptops • Keyboards • Mice • Optical Drives • LCD Displays • Servers • Speakers • Switches • UPS Systems • Video Cards • Software • Wires & Cables • POS Systems • Servers • Networking • All PCI Cards Equipment (Video, Audio, & Graphics) • CRT Monitors

Handheld Devices: • Tablets • iPods • MP3 Players • Smartphones • Cell Phones • Game Systems • Pagers • PDAs • Two Way Radios

‍Office Equipment: • Fax Machines • Laminating Machines • Photocopiers • Printers • Scanners • Surge Protectors • Telephones • Security Equipment • Select Furniture • Shipping and Receiving

‍Audio & Video Equipment Supplies: • Camcorders • Cameras • DVD Players • Game Systems • LCD Projectors • Overhead Projectors • Stereos • LCD & LED Televisions

‍Warehouse Equipment: • Forklifts • Pallets • Gaylords • Large Scales • Tools • Safety Equipment • Dollies • Misc. Equipment • Commercial Vehicles

What type of monetary donations do you accept?

We accept many forms of monetary donations - including grants, personal checks, cryptocurrencies, and donor advised funds (to name a few). Check out our Gift Acceptance Policy for a full list of monetary gifts that human-I-T accepts.

Why should I donate technology instead of recycling?

While recycling is certainly preferred over dumping electronic items into a landfill, it still overlooks the opportunity to reuse a device in its entirety. When electronics are recycled, they are often dismantled for their raw materials. The remainder is then shredded and exported to a landfill. Reusing electronics, on the other hand, extends the life of a working device. Best of all, reusing devices gives less fortunate individuals in our communities access to technology and opportunity in the digital age.
‍
For every 1,000 tons of electronics:
‍
•Repair creates 200 Jobs
•Recycling creates 15 jobs
•Landfilling creates < 1 job

Are gifts tax-deductible?

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of US law.

Do you accept electronics/technology that do not work?

Yes, we accept all types of technology you would find in an office environment, with the exception of appliances such as your breakroom microwave.

When will I be contacted regarding my donation?

All inquiries are responded to within 1-business day.

How do I get my items to you?

Whether you need white-glove service, freight shipping, or are shipping via FedEx, we look to cover the cost of logistics from anywhere in the US for qualified donations. We are able to pick up qualified donations Monday - Friday in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Can I drop off my items?

Absolutely! Please submit a webform and one of our Account Executives will provide you with our nearest Los Angeles location.

Can I write off my donation? How much is my write off?

Yes! You or your business are able to write off the Fair Market Value of your items. See here for more information.

What items do you accept?

We accept almost any non-appliance electronic items from the cell phone in your pocket to the MRI machine in your doctor’s office. Please click here for a general, but by no means comprehensive, list of our Accepted Items

Who will my items help?

Recipients include low-income families, veterans, people with disabilities, and others who would not otherwise have access to technology or the internet..

Impact

When will I received my itemized tax-deductible receipt?

Please allow up to 60-days from human-I-T receiving your donation to process, wipe, and inventory your item(s). Upon completion, we will email you an itemized donation receipt.

Low-Cost Internet

What is Mobile Citizen?

human-I-T’s Mobile Citizen Program allows low-income individuals throughout the nation connect to low-cost internet for just $14.99 a month. The Mobile Citizen hotspot is a wireless device on the Sprint network that will travel with all its users ensuring they are connected wherever they go. human-I-T became a Mobile Citizen reseller to provide all of our technology recipients easy access to low-cost internet.

Fill Out Form

Who qualifies for Mobile Citizen?

Proof can be submitted by:

Uploading the documentation through checkout
Email at programs@smarthuman.org - please include the name of the Mobile Citizen account holder
Text at 562-372-6925 - please include the name of the Mobile Citizen account holder

Fill Out Form

What are the offers for broadband service through Mobile Citizen?

human-I-T offers 4 payment plans for the client to choose from: monthly ($15 per month); quarterly ($45 per quarter); semi-annual ($90 per 6 months)and annually ($180 per year). Cash and credit/debit/prepaid cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club) are accepted for both the hotspot and the Internet service.

There is a one-time purchase price of $100. There are no payment options for the device and it must be purchased at the time of sign-up along with the Internet service.

Can a hotspot purchased from a different provider be connected by human-I-T to the Mobile Citizen service?

human-I-T is unable to connect hotspots that were purchased with a different provider. In order to subscribe to human-I-T’s Mobile Citizen service a hotspot must be purchased with human-I-T.

Fill Out Form

How do you know if the hotspot will service your address?

Mobile Citizen is available in Sprint’s service area; to check specific addresses, go to https://coverage.sprint.com/IMPACT.jsp?#!/

Fill Out Form

How do customers apply for Mobile Citizen?

Self checkout is available on the human-I-T

If you have any questions or need assistance you may contact a human-I-T customer service representative by email at programs@smarthuman.org or through text at 562-372-6925

Fill Out Form

How will Internet service be installed?

The device will self-activate within 15 minutes of turning on.

If the client is not satisfied with the service within the first 30 days after subscription, he/she can return the device for a full refund of device cost only; the monthly service prepaid and non-refundable. The device must be in original condition.

Fill Out Form

Tech Support

Who is eligible for free tech support?

Hotspot Purchase: Unlimited tech support as long as you're subscribed to our internet service.
Donated Computer: 1 year of tech support beginning on the day you received the computer.
HITConnect.org Computer Purchase: 1 year of tech support beginning from the date of purchase.
eBay Purchase: The item is not eligible for tech support.

I'm having trouble with my Coolpad Surf hotspot. How can I troubleshoot the issue?

Please refer to this document for answers to the most common questions.

Who to contact for tech support?

Tech support related to Mobile Citizen’s internet service and hotspot is solely the responsibility of Mobile Citizen.

Mobile Citizen can be reached by:

Phone: 877-216-9603 - Please leave a message, Mobile Citizen will not return your call unless you leave a message.
Email: support@mobilecitizen.org
If you are unable to obtain tech support service from Mobile Citizen please reach out to us by email at programs@smarthuman.org or through text at 562-372-6925.

Fill Out Form

I'm having issues with my hotspot's battery, or the hotspot is giving me an "invalid SIM" message.

Please contact Mobile Citizen at 303-532-1084 or customerservice@mobilecitizen.org

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Receive Tech

Tech Donations

Low-Cost Internet

Tech Support