Community Action Center to Sponsor Free Cell Phone Program July 19

On Thursday, July 19, from noon to 6:30 p.m., staff at the will partner with Life Wireless to distribute free cell phones to Northfield-area residents in need. The program is offered through Lifeline and provides one free cell phone to all Minnesota families who live at or below 135 percent of the national poverty guidelines. The phones include 250 free minutes of calling time each month and there are no contract obligations, activation charges or monthly fees.

In addition to the income guidelines mentioned above, participation in one of the following programs is accepted as proof of income eligibility: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food support, Medicaid, Section 8 and other public housing, free lunch, and Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEA). To receive a phone, one member of the household must bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of participation in one of the above assistance programs. If the ID provided does not display a current address, please bring proof of a new address.

“For many of our clients, a program like this is of tremendous value," said Sharon Vangsness, client services coordinator at the CAC. "From scheduling medical appointments and following up on job leads, to contacting a teacher and being able to call for emergency services, in our ever-connected world, many people don’t realize just how difficult it can be to live without a phone connection.”

For more information, call the Community Action Center at 507-664-3550 or visit the organization at the (1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield) during the event on July 19.