Free Geek

Mission

Free Geek is committed to including everyone in our digital future. We sustainably reuse technology, enable digital access and provide education to create a community that empowers people to realize their potential.

Bottom Line for Portland

Our goal is to connect underserved individuals, households and neighborhoods most impacted by digital inequality to technology, digital skills and resources. We are committed to addressing the three central pillars of digital inclusion: access to technology (through putting free devices into the hands of individuals who cannot afford them), access to the internet (connecting our community to the resources they need to obtain affordable broadband), and education (through our foundational digital literacy programs). A donation to Free Geek provides these services to the most marginalized communities, including everyone in our digital future as well as supporting responsible e-waste recycling - preventing immediate and long-term ecosystem harm. 

In 2023 alone, we:

– Collected nearly 1.1 million pounds of electronic waste from over 5,000 in-kind donors, bringing our total to almost 82 million lbs of e-waste diverted from landfills. 

– Refurbished, tested and sold over 9,000 devices.

– Refurbished nearly 7,000 , including over 5,700 laptops.

– Distributed free computers to nearly 1,171 community members with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

– Conducted over 1,777 Digital Navigation engagements to provide bilingual digital literacy to vulnerable populations.

– Distributed over 823 computers to SNAP recipients statewide.

Quote

“Support from community is the how we've been able to bridge the gap on the digital divide and connect our people most impacted by digital inequality to the resources they want and need. With your support, we will continue to make huge strides in connecting community with devices, digital skills and the resources they need to succeed and thrive in this growing digital world."

- Free Geek Executive Director, Juan Muro, Jr.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

All of our programs serve historically marginalized people from oppressed populations, which means we MUST embrace our work as active DEI work. The issues we work to tackle disproportionately affect these communities- from climate change to the technology gap. Over the last several years, we have taken an especially close look at our history and how we can do better by our BIPOC and other marginalized community members. Our vision is a Free Geek whose leadership and staff are people who actually represent the community Free Geek serves-- or people who have received our services. That means continual work on evaluating what our practices are so that we get better at the work. We’ve changed hiring practices, made clear internal policy changes to better protect both staff and participants, lifting up voices and organizations often spoken over prioritizing the most marginalized demographic; and we continue to evolve and adapt as an organization. 

Incentives

First Tech will be matching ALL donations up to $5,000.

Give $20 or more and be entered to win a Free Geek swag bag containing a book, t-shirt and more!

Give $20 or more and be entered to win a $20 Ice Queen gift card!

Give $20 or more and be entered to win 4 General Admission passes from OMSI!

Give $20 or more and be entered to win a Party Pack from VoiceBox.

Give $20 or more and be entered to win 4 complimentary ride bracelets from Oaks Park!

Give $20 or more and be entered to win a $75 Gift Card from Quarter World.

Give $50 or more and be entered to win a Private group brewery tour and tasting from Binary Brewery  *21 and older

Give $50 or more and be entered to win 4 Adult passes from Hopscotch.

Partner(s)

Business Partners:

First Tech Credit Union, the nation’s premier credit union serving the world’s leading technology-oriented companies and their employees.

Ice Queen is not just about frozen treats; it's a celebration of passion, dedication, and a connection to the community.

OMSI is inspiring curiosity through engaging science learning experiences. Explore, discover, experiment, and more at OMSI in Portland, OR.

Quarter World where Change is Good! We are an arcade and pinball paradise, with two full bars and all types of games.

Binary Brewing Co. is decoding classic craft ales and lagers in Downtown Beaverton.

Hopscotch has Immersive Art in Portland — Step into a world of interactive art experiences. Explore, create, & engage at Hopscotch.

Oaks Park  is located in Portland, Oregon's historic Sellwood neighborhood, Oaks Amusement Park, Roller Rink, and Mini Golf Course has been where the fun never ends.

Voicebox where you can enjoy private room karaoke. Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties and any excuse to get friends together.

Nonprofit Partner:

Oregon Latino Health Coalition, who advances the health of Latinos through policy, advocacy, and prevention.