Computers are essential today. Most people either have one or use one on nearly a daily basis. They are used in workplaces, schools, and at home. However, not everyone can afford a computer. Purchasing a new computer can be costly, and people may not know where to look to find a quality used one. Even so, there are many people who need a computer for free if they are to have one at all. Knowing how to get a free computer as a struggling individual is helpful!
There are ways to get free computers. They may be new at times and other times they may be used. Even those who give away used computers are likely giving one away that still works. It may not be the most updated computer, but it may help you be able to do what you need to do on a computer. Even the most basic computer can give you a place to surf the internet, do research, and write papers.
Below are some options for finding a free computer if you are struggling financially and need one. Contact as many places as you feel necessary to be able to obtain one. The more places you contact, the better luck you will likely have in finding a free computer.
Places to Get a Free Computer
Many of the places listed below are thrift stores that are charity based, or run by faith-based organizations and churches. They usually accept donated items from the community and will resell them for cheap prices or give them away for free to those in the community who are struggling and need things. Some may receive computers and will be able to give them out for free.
Goodwill – There are Goodwill locations around the country. They are a national chain of thrift stores. They receive computer donations from the public and may be willing to give you a free one. Contact a Goodwill store near you to inquire about getting a free computer from them. To find a location in your area, click here.
St. Vincent de Paul – This is another faith-based thrift store chain that will take items that are donated from the public and give them away for free to those in need. Contact a location in your area to see if they can help you get a free computer. Even though they are faith-based you do not have to be religious to receive assistance. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based thrift store chain has many locations around the country. They are good at helping people in the community who need assistance. They will give away free items to those in need if they have them. They fill their stores with things that have been donated by people in the community. If you call or visit one of their locations and let them know you are struggling and need a free computer, they may be able to give you one they have in the store, or watch for one to be donated so you can have it. To find a location near you, click here.
Churches – Contact your local churches to let them know you are a struggling individual in the community and you are in need of a free computer. They may offer to ask their congregation if anyone has a computer they can donate for someone in the community. If they find someone to donate one they will give it to you. There are many churches around the country and they often have a mission of helping people in the communities where they are located. They may also be able to provide you with a referral to other local resources that can help with your situation.
Schools – Many schools around the country provide their students with a free computer at the beginning of the school year. This is especially true when it comes to high schools. Contact your local high schools to see if there are any free computers you may be able to get and explain to them that you are struggling and need one for free. They may have extra computers or ones that they are discarding that they can provide to those in need in the community.
Computers 4 People – This is an organization that provides people in need with a free computer. They take computers that people donate to them and they refurbish them, so you will be getting a good working computer for free if you are approved. They have an online application that takes 10 minutes to complete. Once you submit that then you will hear from them regarding whether or not your application has been approved. They also offer digital skills courses that you could take once you get the computer. To get more information and apply online, click here.
Computers with Causes – This is another organization that provides free computers to those in need. The computers have all been donated to them and they refurbish them before distributing them to those in need. Their goal in taking the computers to provide to people for free is to help empower those who need assistance. To get more information and apply for a computer online, click here.
Recycling Centers – Many counties have a recycling center and they have a section of it dedicated to recycling computers. Call your local landfill or recycling center to ask if they have a computer section, and if they do, are there any computers you could get for free. People donate them because they don’t want them anymore, but some of them may still be in good working order.
In addition to these options, be sure to post on social media asking if anyone has a computer they no longer want. Let people know you are struggling and looking for a free computer. You may be surprised at how many people are willing to give you a computer they no longer need.
