By Sandy Miller
Free Geek, a beloved SE Portland institution for over 25 years, is growing and expanding with the digital age. “We’re moving to a larger location so we’ll be able to intake more technology, which leads to diverting more e-waste and distributing more technology out to community members,” says Dwindell Feeley, Director of Business Development for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit. “With the incredible momentum we’ve built over the last several years, Free Geek has officially outgrown our space.”
The new building, at 1700 SE Grand Ave., is only three blocks away from their present location. It will include a community center area for their digital equity programming as well as expanded room for technology donations. A potential future addition is an onsite, in-person store where the public can shop.
They are hard at work on building improvements to house the recycling, processing and classroom areas in time for the grand opening in August. A fund-raiser to underwrite the costs of the upgrade and move is currently underway. Find out more at freegeek.org/FGMOVE or text FGMOVE to 44-321.
Free Geek started with the new century, growing out of a recycling event for computers and other electronic devices held in Pioneer Square on Earth Day 2000. Since fall of that year, its efforts have diverted tons of material from the landfills where it would otherwise have ended up. It soon broadened its mission to promote technology access and computer literacy education to narrow the digital divide. They began refurbishing equipment and providing both hardware and the skill to use it to members of the community who would otherwise have lacked access to these modern essentials.
“Free Geek’s vision to include everyone in our digital future and its ability to achieve that vision requires an environment and a community that enables that,” according to Juan Muro, Jr., the organization’s executive director. “We’ve been privileged to participate through testimony in support of legislation at the state and local level to ensure that the community has access to affordable broadband, affordable technology and digital skills to help them participate in today’s digital world.”
The results are impressive: over a million pounds of e-waste is diverted from the solid waste stream every year, with a running total exceeding 41,000 tons. Over 75,000 electronic devices have been wiped, upgraded and granted back to community members. And technology learners in Free Geek classes have logged over 10,000 hours.
Free Geek’s digital inclusion programs are designed to increase access to technology, digital skills and connectivity for underserved communities across the Portland metro area. Through its core programs, Free Geek refurbishes donated computers and redistributes them to low-income families, students, seniors, people experiencing housing instability, immigrants, refugees and other historically marginalized communities.
In addition to hardware access, Free Geek provides digital literacy education, one-on-one digital navigation support, technical assistance and community-based technology training that help participants build confidence using technology for education, employment, healthcare, communication and essential online services.
Free Geek partners with schools, nonprofits, housing providers and workforce development organizations to expand access to technology resources and reduce barriers to digital inclusion. As a staff member at HOLLA school puts it, “Free Geek’s community event…was so helpful to support our families! Folks were able to receive a laptop along with important safety features that set them up for success… The fact that Free Geek was able to hold sessions in Spanish and in English really made such an amazing impact. Those details matter. Thank you for truly seeing and hearing what our community needed!”
Those who are not in the market to acquire technology themselves can support Free Geek’s mission in several ways, including volunteering. Goldey, a Free Geek warehouse volunteer, says, “I have a much deeper understanding of the technology refurbishment process…[and] have been inspired to create my own version of the system for personal use.”
Through Free Geek’s membership program, the Bridge, individuals donating at least $10 monthly have so far gifted over 1,000 computers to community members in need.
In Free Geek’s online shop, anyone can purchase low-cost, refurbished devices (freegeek.org/shop). There are also pop-up shops on the last Saturday of the month in the building’s parking lot, showcasing vintage technology and more affordable technology.
Donating your used but usable equipment is easy. During its open hours (Wednesday through Saturday, 11 am-4 pm), drop off devices or accessories at Free Geek’s current location (1731 SE 10th Ave.). All data-containing devices—desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.—will be securely wiped before they start their second lives as essential tools for others, so your privacy is assured.
Free Geek volunteers at the warehouse. Photo by Free Geek.
