We are changing our name to ConnectUp

King County Community Voice Mail changes name to ConnectUp

Highlighting new ways to link people to resources for stability

King County Community Voice Mail announces that as of April 29, 2013, it will be known as ConnectUp. The new name was prompted by an expanding vision for the program as it works with more communications technologies to keep people living on low incomes connected.

Launched in 1991 by the local non-profit Solid Ground, Community Voice Mail pioneered the use of free voice mailboxes to connect people living without homes or phones to potential employment, housing and community. The effort was replicated in communities across the country through an effort led by the nonprofit Springwire (which recently changed its name from Community Voicemail National).

“I was doing a lot of phone calls to agencies about housing and resources,” said voice mail user Brianca. “Community Voice Mail provided me with a telephone number where they could reach me. Also it allowed me to maintain a sense of privacy… Having a background in domestic violence, it is really important to me that I keep my personal information very personal.”

“We recognize that voicemail technology is no longer the only way for disenfranchised people to connect to vital resources,” said Lambert Rochfort, program supervisor. “This new name, ConnectUp, is reflective of the services we provide to help low-income people access communications technology, information, and services.”

ConnectUp is the lead agency for homeless and low-income telecommunications access in King County. Services include helping people access Lifeline Cell Phone programs, as well as programs for subsidized landline phones and internet access. It informs social service providers as well as people living on low incomes about available telecommunications programs.

ConnectUp is a communication hub for people living in King County. The program also broadcasts information about social services, jobs, housing, healthcare and more through its voice mail system, email listserv, blog and social media. People can sign up to receive these Resource Broadcast messages at tinyurl.com/connectup.

ConnectUp partners with Springwire to provide Community Voice Mail and Resource Broadcasting services.

ConnectUp is a program of Solid Ground, which works to end poverty and undo racism and other oppressions that are root causes of poverty. Each year Solid Ground helps more than 50,000 people in Seattle/King County and across Washington State move beyond poverty and oppression to access quality housing, nutritious food, equal justice and opportunities to thrive.