Metro Inclusive Health receives national tech grant

ABOVE:  Technology from a PowerOn grant, photo via Twitter.

ST. PETERSBURG | Metro Inclusive Health has been named one of 14 new partner organizations of PowerOn, the technology program which supports LGBTQ communities nationwide.

PowerOn, which is operated by the LGBT Technology Institute, exists to support at-risk and underserved members of the LGBTQ community. It provides technology to local partner organizations at no cost to “give them the tools to take charge of their circumstances.”

“The PowerOn program strives to help LGBTQ individuals empower themselves through the distribution of life-saving technology hardware via a network of partner LGBTQ community centers and other LGBTQ-focused organizations,” LGBT Technology Institute Executive Director Christopher Wood shared in a press release.

“Things many of us take for granted, something as simple as a cell phone, can make an enormous difference for someone who is looking to take control of their physical and mental health,” he continued. “With the recent pandemic of COVID-19, more individuals across the U.S. truly understand what it means to have slow, limited or no access to the Internet. Starting in 2015, PowerOn recognized that we could empower LGBTQ+ individuals by giving them the same digital opportunity so many of us take for granted.”

PowerOn has also shared that in the last year, 335 people have applied for jobs using tech provided by the program, 100 have used it to finish schoolwork and more than 250 have utilized it to find stable housing.

“PowerOn is helping us fulfill our mission of reaching the diverse population in the Tampa Bay community and beyond,” LGBTQ+ Division Manager Cole Foust says. “These devices will help us create more accessible and engaging programming for LGBTQ+ people of all ages.

“Whether we are using them in our LGBTQ+ youth programming to facilitate technology-centered games/activities, or in our transgender programming to offer individualized gender-affirming support, this will positively impact the lives of many,” he added.

In response to COVID-19, Metro has leaned heavily on virtual programming to connect Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community. The organization will hold its first “Stay-In LGBTQ+ Summer Camp” June 8-12 and July 27-31 to engage with LGBTQ youth.

PowerOn has shared example of technology sent to partner organizations via Twitter, which you can view below. Other organizations accepted into its 2020 program include Indiana’s LGBTQ Center, Puerto Rico’s WAVES AHEAD, Maryland’s Pride Center, New York’s Newburgh LGBTQ Center, Kentucky’s Pride Community Services Organization, Missouri’s Kansas City Center for Inclusion, Illinois’ Brave Space Alliance, Pennsylvania’s Persad Center, Michigan’s Affirmations, New Jersey’s Hudson Pride Center, Virginia’s LGBT Life Center and Washington’s Rainbow Center.

For more information about PowerOn, visit PowerOnLGBT.org. For more information about Metro Inclusive Health and its virtual programming, visit MetroTampaBay.org.

For the latest updates about COVID-19 and its impact on the LGBTQ communities in Tampa Bay and Central Florida, view Watermark’s frequently updated coverage here.

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