In today’s digital world, reliable internet access is essential. The Michelson 20MM Foundation has awarded the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) a Michelson Spark Grant to address this need in Los Angeles’ Pico-Union neighborhood. CHIRLA’s Internet Service Project (ISP) will transform digital connectivity, opening doors to opportunity and empowerment for community members.
A Game-Changer for Pico-Union
In Pico-Union, 20% of households, or nearly 40,000 people, lack adequate internet. Currently, residents rely on slow DSL connections, which severely limits their ability to engage with the digital resources that are essential for daily life.
This project stands out because of its innovative, community-driven approach. CHIRLA will establish a state-of-the-art data center within their new Immigrant Welcome and Empowerment Center. The center will not only deliver high-speed internet but also offer digital literacy training and support tailored to community needs. By connecting to an open fiber line constructed by the State of California, CHIRLA is ensuring that this vital resource doesn’t bypass Pico-Union.
Empowering the Community
CHIRLA’s approach focuses on the specific needs of Pico-Union’s residents. The Immigrant Welcome and Empowerment Center will provide workshops and training to help elderly immigrants, refugees, and youth use the internet effectively. This approach ensures that the benefits of high-speed internet extend beyond just connectivity, equipping residents with the skills needed to thrive in a digital age.
CHIRLA’s initiative differs from commercial internet service, which often prioritize profit over service. Instead, the project aims to make high-speed internet accessible and beneficial for everyone in the community, placing people over profit.
“CHIRLA’s Internet Service Project embodies our commitment to digital equity,” Cristal Mojica, Senior Program Manager, Digital Equity shared. “By bringing high-speed internet to Pico-Union and offering essential training, we’re not just bridging a technological gap—we’re empowering the community and setting a precedent for future digital inclusion efforts.”
A Blueprint for Broader Impact
The project’s scalability is impressive. Initially, the ISP will serve Pico-Union, but the data center will be a catalyst for broader impact by supporting expansion to other underserved areas in Los Angeles County. Additionally, the center will offer digital access and literacy programs that other regions can replicate.
CHIRLA’s project sets an example of how community-based internet services can address digital inequities. By using publicly owned fiber infrastructure and collaborating with local and state agencies, CHIRLA highlights the need for viewing high-speed internet as a basic utility instead of a luxury.
Building a Foundation for Change and Looking Ahead
CHIRLA’s leadership in this area is a testament to their longstanding commitment to digital equity. With 38 years of experience, CHIRLA is well-positioned to tackle the digital divide. Their previous work, such as the Immigrant Digital Equity Project, shows their ability to mobilize communities and influence policy.
As CHIRLA implements their ISP, they will collaborate with local government, philanthropic partners, and community organizations. Their work will drive conversations on digital equity and foster meaningful change.
Join CHIRLA’s Immigrant Champion Awards
Be a part of a transformative journey towards digital equity and community resilience by attending CHIRLA’s Immigrant Champion Awards on September 19th. This event will honor the strength and joy of the immigrant community while spotlighting their visionary “Immigrant Welcome and Empowerment Center.”
By supporting the Immigrant Champion Awards, attendees will directly contribute to CHIRLA’s groundbreaking work and help set a precedent for immigrant rights coalitions across the nation. Join CHIRLA in amplifying our voices and strengthening our community—together, we can build a sustainable future.
Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.
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