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.
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For every 1,000 tons of electronics:
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•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.

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

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.

Hardware

CHARGING - My device isn't charging

Please plug in the charger that came with the tablet and test if you see a red light on the top left corner of the screen
If you don’t see a red light, please use the micro-usb charger and plug it into the outlet to see if the device can turn on.
Lastly, double check if all of the cables on the charger are securely attached and try plugging it into another outlet

DEVICE GETTING FIXED - Need interim solutions?

In the interim as your device is getting fixed/repaired/replaced, we'd like to suggest a few interim solutions.

If you have another device and/or smartphone that can access the internet, try to sign in through your personal device.
Search for libraries that are run by your city, nearby city, and/or nearby community colleges / universities.

POWER - Device not powering on

Make sure your charger cord is securely attached to your computer. Also make sure all parts of the cord are securely fastened. Then make sure the outlet you're plugging into has power.
Then try powering on again.
If the screen is still not turning on, please try using a micro-usb cable and connect it to your outlet and see if your device can turn on.
If there's no success with steps 1-3 above, please visit this web page on Microsoft Support: https://bit.ly/2GbPGUV
Under the "When did you get the error" select the radio button that applies to your situation. Afterwards, a series of steps will follow.

SCREEN - Screen is blank, white, black?

Make sure your charger cord is securely attached to your computer. Also make sure all parts of the cord are securely fastened. Then make sure the outlet you're plugging into has power.
Then try powering on again.
If the screen is still not turning on, please try using a micro-usb cable and connect it to your outlet and see if your device can turn on.
If there's no success with steps 1-3 above, please visit this web page on Microsoft Support: https://bit.ly/2GbPGUV
Under the "When did you get the error" select the radio button that applies to your situation. Afterwards, a series of steps will follow.

Software

CAMERA - Facing wrong direction?

Please refer to link below: https://bit.ly/3l7zMcJ
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Although this link was created by our DPSCD partners, this link can be helpful for our friends/families in other school districts to help provide you with a complete walkthrough on how to properly adjust the camera.

CAMERA - Stuck on vertical?

Click on the windows logo on your keyboard and type "Settings" and hit Enter
Click on "System", then scroll down until you see "Rotation Lock"
It should be turned off, turn it ON.
Right above Rotation Lock, you should see "Display Orientation". Make sure Landscape mode is selected.

CHROMEBOOK RESET - Need to reset your Chromebook and start anew?

To reset your Chromebook, please perform the following instructions:

Sign out of your Chromebook
Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r.
Select Restart.
In the box that appears, select Powerwash Continue.
Follow the steps that appear and sign in with your Google Account.
Note: The account you sign in with after you reset your Chromebook will be the owner account.
Once you've reset your Chromebook:
Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your Chromebook.
Reference: https://bit.ly/35O5BmN

NETWORK - WiFi Not Working

Note: For issues with finding home Wi-Fi skip to OPTION 3 below.

OPTION 1

Scroll and Click on the Wi-Fi icon on the bottom right by the Time & Date.
Select the T-Mobile option and the internet should be active.
Alternatively, If this does not solve the issue please scroll down to option 2.

OPTION 2

Turn off the device and remove the sim card, and reinsert the same way it originally was and power on the device.
Scroll and Click on the Wi-Fi icon on the bottom right by the Time & Date
Click on it and select the T-Mobile option that appears in this menu.

OPTION 3
If Options 1-2 above do not solve the issue, please attempt the following:

Please click on the Windows logo and type in "Network Reset" and hit enter on your keyboard
You will see an option to "Reset now", click on it and wait 10-15 minutes for your tablet to restart.

MICROPHONE - Allow your application to access the microphone

Select Start , Select Settings > Privacy > Microphone
Select Change, turn on Allow apps to access your mic
Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access these features under “Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your microphone”
Give access to non-Microsoft-Store desktop apps by ensuring the switch beneath Allow desktop apps to access your microphone is set to On.

MICROPHONE - Others can't hear me

If your headset has a Mute button, make sure it isn't active.
Make sure that your microphone or headset is connected correctly to your computer.
Make sure that your mic or headset is the system default recording device. Here's how to do this in Windows 10:
- Select Start , then select Settings> System> Sound
- In Input, ensure your microphone is selected in Choose your input device.
- To test your microphone, speak into it and check Test your microphone to make sure Windows is hearing you.

Reference: https://bit.ly/3klVGIZ‍
In the box that appears, select Powerwash Continue.
Follow the steps that appear and sign in with your Google Account.
Note: The account you sign in with after you reset your Chromebook will be the owner account.
Once you've reset your Chromebook:
Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your Chromebook.
Reference: https://bit.ly/35O5BmN

MICROPHONE - Microphone volume too low

Make sure that the mic or headset is connected correctly to your computer.
Make sure that the mic is positioned correctly.
Increase the volume of your mic. Here's how to do this in Windows 10:
- Select Start , then select Settings> System> Sound.
- In Input, ensure your mic is selected under Choose your input device, then select Device Properties.
- On the Levels tab of the Microphone Properties window, adjust the Microphone and Microphone Boost sliders as needed, then select OK.
- Speak into your microphone while checking under Test your microphone to make sure your settings work. If you see the line moving from left to right, your microphone is working. If you see no change, the microphone is not picking up sound.

Reference: https://bit.ly/3klVGIZ

MICROPHONE - How to install and test a new microphone

HOW TO INSTALL A NEW MICROPHONE?

Make sure your microphone is connected to your PC.
Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
In Sound settings, go to Input > Choose your input device, and then select the microphone or recording device you want to use.

HOW TO TEST AN ALREADY-INSTALLED MICROPHONE?

Make sure your microphone is connected to your PC.
Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
In Sound settings, go to Input > Test your microphone and look for the blue bar that rises and falls as you speak into your microphone. If the bar is moving, your microphone is working properly. If you aren't seeing the bar move, select Troubleshoot to fix your microphone.
Reference: https://bit.ly/2ZAJGeP

DPSCD ONLY - ConnectedFutures (K-12) Program

CLEVER or MICROSOFT TEAMS - Issues with your account?

Unfortunately, human-I-T is unable to assist with account access issues as we don’t have the ability to log in to your account. To help resolve these account access challenges please contact DPSCD’s account administrator at it.training@detroitk12.org or call (313) 240-4377 (Monday - Friday from 7:00am-5:00pm EST).

CLEVER - Having problems logging in, accessing your class, etc.?

Please note that DPSCD will be able to further assist you on Clever. But please follow the 3 quick tips below.
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QUICK TIP #1: Please go to: https://www.detroitk12.org/Page/11105
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QUICK TIP #2: For a quick 2-page Clever At Home reference guide, please go to: https://bit.ly/3iqGJEa
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QUICK TIP #3: For a thorough 23-page Clever FAQ reference guide, please go to: https://bit.ly/36rA6Pv

The links will provide you with a complete walkthrough on how to properly sign into Clever and fix some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have any other questions regarding Clever, please refer to the contact list at the bottom of the web page we referenced above.

LOANER DEVICE - Have issues with your loaner device?

Unfortunately, human-I-T is not able to troubleshoot loaner devices as DPSCD will be able to further assist you.

In the interim as you're awaiting assistance on your loaner device, we'd like to suggest a few interim solutions.

(1) If you have another device/tablet and/or smartphone that can access the internet, try to have your child sign in through your personal device.
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(2) Search for libraries that are run by your city, nearby city, and/or nearby community colleges / universities.
Although it’s not ideal, we hope these interim solutions will help you stay in touch with your class/teacher.

MICROSOFT TEAMS - Need help getting started?

Please note that DPSCD will be able to further assist you on this issue. But to help you get started with Microsoft Teams, please refer to this link: https://www.detroitk12.org/Page/10949

The link will provide you with a complete walkthrough on how to properly sign into Microsoft Teams.