Tech Industry Unites to Provide Laptops and Internet Access for Wildfire Survivors in Pasadena

Over 400 Wildfire-Affected Residents in Pasadena Receive Free Laptops and Internet Access (Photo – City of Pasadena)

A significant relief effort took place on Sunday, March 9, at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, where over 400 residents affected by recent wildfires were provided with free laptops and internet hotspots.

By News Desk

The event was a part of a major initiative to help wildfire victims stay connected, access vital resources, and begin rebuilding their lives.

Human-I-T, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide and reducing e-waste, led the effort in collaboration with the City of Pasadena, Laserfiche—an industry leader in document management software—and several other organizations. Together, they united to provide critical technology to wildfire-impacted residents.

“Our goal is to provide laptops and hotspots to our Pasadena and Altadena community members affected by the wildfires,” said Phillip Leclair, Chief Information Officer for the City of Pasadena. “We appreciate the IT leaders and organizations who have stepped in to make a difference.”

The relief effort garnered overwhelming support from several tech companies and organizations. Laserfiche’s Chief Information Officer, Thomas Phelps, expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of assistance. “The outpouring of support has been incredibly heartwarming,” he said. “Phillip and I are incredibly grateful to tech leaders from East West Bank, Cathay Bank, The Beachbody Company, Metrolink, USC Marshall, and many others who donated devices.”

Notable contributions also came from Lenovo and Robert Half, as well as nonprofit groups such as Delete the Divide, the Los Angeles Digital Equity Action League (LA DEAL), EveryoneOn, Ketchum YMCA LA, World Central Kitchen, CORE, and NAACP Pasadena. T-Mobile supported the initiative by providing hotspots through its Project 10Million initiative to support eligible households.

The Tech Leaders Helping with Tech initiative, co-led by Leclair and Phelps, mobilized major tech players to donate devices to those in need. The effort also brought together nonprofit IT leadership organizations, including Innovate@UCLA, SIM Foundation, SCSIM, and ISACA Los Angeles, amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact.

Lenovo’s Vice President of the U.S. Public Sector, Leslie Harlien, commented on the company’s involvement: “At Lenovo, we are deeply committed to supporting communities in times of crisis. Our laptop donation to the people of the Los Angeles region will help families and residents stay connected. Technology plays a critical role in recovery as more services, schooling, and our daily lives move online. Lenovo stands with the people of L.A. as they navigate this challenging time.”

The importance of technology in recovery cannot be overstated, especially for evacuees who fled with little more than their phones. For many, accessing online assistance, finding housing, and navigating programs for essential services would have been nearly impossible without proper digital tools.

“We’ve seen time and again how access to technology can be a lifeline in times of crisis and essential for residents to begin rebuilding their lives,” said Gabe Middleton, CEO of Human-I-T. “This generous support ensures we can provide not just devices, but hope and opportunity to those affected by this disaster. We are deeply grateful for all the partnerships within the tech community that are making digital access a cornerstone of disaster recovery.”

While the relief effort has been a success, the need for support remains urgent. Organizations with unused or refurbished devices are encouraged to contribute to the wildfire relief effort by visiting human-i-t.org/ca-wildfire-donation. Los Angeles County residents impacted by the wildfires can sign up for free devices at this link, subject to availability.

This initiative stands as a powerful reminder of how technology can play a critical role in disaster recovery and the rebuilding of communities.