Cell phones can provide a vital link to supports and services, and are often difficult to get for those living on the street, or fleeing abusive situations. (Dreamstime)

By Alex Rawnsley

device donation

Cell phones needed for Nanaimo group helping women in difficult situations

Feb 15, 2024 | 3:39 PM

NANAIMO — A way to connect with vital supports and services is needed for a local organization and their clients.

Nanaimo Women Helping Women say they’re critically low on cell phones which they hand out to clients, primarily unhoused women or those fleeing intimate partner violence.

Kerri Isham, the organization’s founder, told NanaimoNewsNOW one of the two phones they currently have on hand is a flip phone, so options for women needing a device are limited.

“Some of these women don’t have vehicles either, so they’re taking a bus without a cell phone, trying to navigate what resources are available to them. We offer them a charger and a SIM card as well so they can be able to start using it shortly after they receive it.”

Isham said phones are often difficult to get for women in precarious situations.

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Those who are unhoused have many competing priorities to devote limited resources to, while women fleeing intimate partner violence may have their phones cancelled or taken by partners.

On a case-by-case basis, the organization will also help with bill payments and other necessities to ensure women needing help are in a safe and secure spot.

Isham said those services can be varied.

“Our group helps with anything from storage locker fees, to short-term hotel stays to paying for people’s car insurance to providing them a phone. Not all of our clients need phones for sure, but most of our phones are going to unhoused women.”

Phones should be restored back to their factory default settings, cleared of all personal data and in good working order.

Isham estimates Nanaimo Women Helping Women has given out around 25 phones in the last year.

Those with devices to donate can email nanaimowomenhelpingwomen@gmail.com to connect with Isham directly and arrange drop off or pickup.

Nanaimo Women Helping Women are also midway through a campaign to distribute 50 emergency bins designed for those living in their vehicles.

To date, 22 have been handed out containing basic necessities such as blankets, personal care items, snacks, water and clothing.

Isham said the bins are available through the group and no referral is required.

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UPDATE — Isham told NanaimoNewsNOW on Friday, Feb. 16 they’ve received around 20 different emails since publishing of this story, from people offering to donate devices.

She added A.C.E Courier Services also committed to a donation of around 25 devices they’d recently retired from their operation.

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