Tech leaders unite in Pasadena to provide free laptops and internet access to wildfire survivors, ensuring connectivity for recovery, resources, and rebuilding.
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| Human-I-T, Lenovo, Laserfiche, and tech leaders team up in Pasadena to equip wildfire survivors with laptops and internet, helping them reconnect and rebuild. Image: ChicHue |
Pasadena, California – March 9, 2025:
Hundreds of wildfire survivors in Pasadena will receive free laptops and internet access on Sunday, March 9, as part of a large-scale relief initiative to restore digital connectivity for those affected. From 2 to 5 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, more than 400 residents impacted by the recent fires will receive critical technology to help them access resources, secure housing, and rebuild their lives.
The initiative, led by the nonprofit Human-I-T in collaboration with the City of Pasadena and Laserfiche, has brought together a coalition of tech companies and community organizations. “Our goal is to provide laptops and hotspots to Pasadena and Altadena community members affected by the wildfires,” said City of Pasadena Chief Information Officer Phillip Leclair. “We appreciate the IT leaders and organizations stepping in to make a difference.”
Companies including East West Bank, Cathay Bank, The Beachbody Company, Metrolink, and USC Marshall have contributed to the effort, alongside Lenovo, Robert Half, and others donating devices. Organizations 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 are also supporting the initiative. T-Mobile is providing hotspots to eligible households through Project 10Million.
Leclair and Laserfiche Chief Information Officer Thomas Phelps are spearheading the Tech Leaders Helping with Tech initiative, rallying key industry figures to donate technology. “The outpouring of support has been truly heartwarming,” said Phelps. “We are incredibly grateful to the tech leaders who stepped up to help.”
Lenovo’s Vice President of the U.S. Public Sector, Leslie Harlien, emphasized the vital role of technology in disaster recovery. “At Lenovo, we are deeply committed to supporting communities in crisis. Our laptop donation will help families stay connected as they rebuild their lives.”
For many survivors, access to technology remains a pressing issue. Forced to flee with little more than their phones, evacuees struggle to apply for aid, find housing, and connect with vital support services. “Access to technology can be a lifeline in times of crisis,” said Human-I-T CEO Gabe Middleton. “This initiative ensures we provide not just devices, but hope and opportunity to those affected.”
With support from nonprofit IT leadership organizations—including Innovate@UCLA, SIM Foundation, SCSIM, and ISACA Los Angeles—the initiative aims to make a lasting impact, empowering wildfire survivors to rebuild with the digital tools they need.