Just because a person doesnB次元官网网址檛 have a home doesnB次元官网网址檛 mean they donB次元官网网址檛 need a cellphone.
In fact, according to staff at the Victoria Cool Aid Society, cellphones have become a necessity to most patrons of their sites.
B次元官网网址淲hen you have no fixed address, you need a phone to figure out if thereB次元官网网址檚 shelter beds, to make it to appointments, and to stay connected with family,B次元官网网址� said Christine OB次元官网网址橞rien, manager of residential services. B次元官网网址淚n this world of technology, itB次元官网网址檚 not a luxury to have a cellphone, not anymore.B次元官网网址�
Almost all people who use Cool Aid services have phones, OB次元官网网址橞rien said. Most donB次元官网网址檛 have data plans or even much as far as minutes, but with the use of wifi and apps such as WhatsApp, which allows for free texting and calling, most people donB次元官网网址檛 need loaded phone plans.
B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of pay-as-you-go and prepaid phone cards,B次元官网网址� OB次元官网网址橞rien said. B次元官网网址淚 think if you manage it very carefully it can be under $25 per month.B次元官网网址�
Any additional internet requirements, such as checking emails, can also be done at the library.
Even if a phone has no plan at all, most models will still dial 911 in an emergency. Cell phones can also be used for upcoming apps, such as Nal-Pal, which can help connect someone witnessing an overdose with someone carrying a Naloxone kit.
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Most importantly, however, the phone helps people stay in communication.
B次元官网网址淥ne lady installed an app on a phone called B次元官网网址榝ind my friendB次元官网网址� and gave it to her sister,B次元官网网址� OB次元官网网址橞rien said. B次元官网网址淚t helped her keep track of her when she wasnB次元官网网址檛 answering her phone.B次元官网网址�
When the sister found out about the app, she actually laughed, OB次元官网网址橞rien said.
B次元官网网址淪he thought it was kind of comforting.B次元官网网址�
Cool Aid used to get many cell phones donated before most people had smartphones but hasnB次元官网网址檛 received any in recent memory.
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Most patrons are given phones or get refurbished phones in pawn shops or from friends, but more donations are needed.
In Cool AidB次元官网网址檚 participation in the Homeless Partner Christmas Wish List program, one of the most commonly requested items was a cellphone.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not a frivolous thing by any means,B次元官网网址� OB次元官网网址橞rien said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 connection, and thatB次元官网网址檚 what most people need.B次元官网网址�
Times are changing, OB次元官网网址橞rien said, and now phones will need to be added to Cool AidB次元官网网址檚 list of needed donation items, right along socks, food and underwear.
For more information, or to make a donation, you can visit .
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