The digital divide is growing and that its impact in our community is profound. The residents of East Scarborough deserve to be included in digital spaces. But in order for that to happen, multiple barriers need to fall. These include but are not limited to:

• Having access to a device

• Having access to reliable internet connectivity

• Understanding how to use email, Microsoft Word/Google Docs, and common workplace tools

• Conducting searches online for resources

Though the Service Hub has always facilitated digital access, we are prioritizing this work in new ways since the pandemic.

The purpose of the Storefront’s Digital Access project is to support residents of East Scarborough, and our community ecosystem as a whole, to access information and opportunities, to share knowledge and work together, and to create a sense of belonging and community in digital spaces.

Our community deserves to be included in digital spaces.

The Storefront’s Digital Access project includes:

Internet and device access, including access to devices and hotspots for residents through a Lending Library, and other barrier removal funds, for job seekers and grassroots leaders involved in Storefront projects and initiatives; and access to The Resource Centre at The Storefront with free computers, wifi, printers and support from Community Resource Specialists to complete tasks and learn systems

Digital literacy, including digital literacy training for residents and capacity-building for staff.

Understanding the digital divide including community engagement to understand needs and priorities and develop responses to those needs and priorities through an equity lens; information-sharing and knowledge mobilization in the community so that residents know where they can access devices, free or low-cost internet, and digital literacy training close to home