Questioning Everything Propaganda
To provide essential communication access to individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, enabling connection to vital services, employment opportunities, and community support networks through the provision of smartphones with text and voice service, and in smart device instances: wifi capabilities.
Purchased Devices (Primary Recommendation)
Donated Devices
Tello Mobile (Primary Recommendation)
Alternative Budget Providers
Critical opportunity: Many recipients may qualify for Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits:
Action Items:
Phone Ministry Recipient Intake Form
MOBILE CONNECTIVITY MINISTRY - INTAKE FORM
Date: _______________ Location: _______________
RECIPIENT INFORMATION
First Name: _____________________ Last Name: _____________________
Preferred Name: _____________________ Date of Birth: _____________________
Last 4 digits SSN (optional): _______
CONTACT & LOCATION (for follow-up services)
Current Location/Shelter: _________________________________________
Case Manager/Social Worker: _________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name: _________________ Phone: _________________
ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
☐ Currently experiencing homelessness
☐ Currently lacks phone/phone service
☐ Age 18+ (ID checked: Type ________ Number ________)
DEVICE & SERVICE PROVIDED
Phone Model: _____________________ IMEI: _____________________
SIM Card Number: _____________________
Phone Number Assigned: (_____) _____-______
Service Provider: Tello / Other: _____________
Plan Type: _______________ Start Date: _______________
Service End Date (6 months): _______________
DEVICE CONDITION AT DELIVERY
☐ New ☐ Refurbished ☐ Donated
Battery Health: Good / Fair Screen Condition: Good / Fair
Accessories Provided: ☐ Charger ☐ Case ☐ Screen Protector
ORIENTATION COMPLETED
☐ How to charge device
☐ How to make calls and send texts
☐ How to check voicemail
☐ Emergency services (911)
☐ Important contacts programmed (shelter, case manager, crisis line)
☐ Basic troubleshooting
RECIPIENT AGREEMENT
I understand:
- This phone and 6-month service is provided at no cost
- The device remains my property after service ends
- I am responsible for the device's care
- Service ends on the date listed above
- I may qualify for continued subsidized service through government programs
Recipient Signature: _______________________ Date: _____________
Ministry Volunteer: ________________________ Date: _____________
FOLLOW-UP
☐ 30-day check-in scheduled
☐ 90-day Lifeline/ACP transition discussion scheduled
☐ Pre-service-end contact (month 5)Ministry Volunteer Device Preparation Form
DEVICE PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Device IMEI: _____________________ Preparation Date: _____________
PRE-ACTIVATION
☐ Device factory reset completed
☐ Device charged to 100%
☐ Operating system updated to latest version
☐ Screen protector applied (if available)
☐ Protective case installed (if available)
☐ Device tested (calls, texts, battery)
ACTIVATION
☐ SIM card inserted and activated
☐ Phone number assigned: (_____) _____-______
☐ Voicemail set up with default PIN
☐ Emergency contacts programmed:
- 211 (Community Resources)
- 988 (Crisis Lifeline)
- Local shelter: _____________________
- Case manager: _____________________
SECURITY & ACCESSIBILITY
☐ Screen lock disabled (or simple PIN: 1234 documented)
☐ Large text/accessibility features reviewed with recipient
☐ Emergency SOS feature explained
DOCUMENTATION
☐ Phone number recorded in master log
☐ IMEI recorded in master log
☐ Service activation date recorded
☐ Service expiration date calculated and recorded
Prepared by: _________________________ Date: _____________Phone Ministry Master Log (Spreadsheet Format)
| Recipient Name | Date Issued | Phone Model | IMEI | Phone Number | SIM # | Service Start | Service End | 30-Day Check | 90-Day Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Pre-Event Setup (1 hour before)
2. Recipient Greeting & Screening (5 minutes)
3. Documentation Completion (10 minutes)
4. Device Handoff & Orientation (15-20 minutes)
5. Resource Connection (5 minutes)
6. Follow-Up Scheduling (3 minutes)
Total time per recipient: 40-45 minutes
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
YOUR NEW PHONE - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Mobile Connectivity Ministry
[Church Name] | [Contact Number]
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
YOUR PHONE NUMBER: (_____) _____-______
VOICEMAIL PIN: ________
SERVICE DATES:
Starts: _____________
Ends: _______________ (6 months from start)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
ESSENTIAL CONTACTS ALREADY PROGRAMMED
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
• 911 - Emergency Services
• 211 - Community Resources & Assistance
• 988 - Mental Health Crisis Line
• [Local Shelter]: [Number]
• [Case Manager]: [Number]
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
BASIC INSTRUCTIONS
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
TO MAKE A CALL:
1. Tap the green phone icon
2. Type the number or select a contact
3. Tap the green call button
TO SEND A TEXT:
1. Tap the messaging icon
2. Select a contact or type a number
3. Type your message and tap send
TO CHARGE YOUR PHONE:
1. Plug charger into phone and wall outlet
2. Charge until 100% (usually 2-3 hours)
3. Charge every night to avoid running out of power
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
FREE LONG-TERM PHONE SERVICE (After 6 months)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
You may qualify for FREE or low-cost phone service:
LIFELINE PROGRAM
• Free or discounted monthly service
• Qualify if you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or meet income guidelines
HOW TO APPLY:
1. Call 211 and say "Lifeline program"
2. Visit: www.fcc.gov/lifeline
3. Ask your case manager for help
We can help you apply! Come back for assistance.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
NEED HELP?
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
Ministry Contact: [Phone/Email]
Available: [Days/Times]
COMMON ISSUES:
• Phone won't turn on → Hold power button 5 seconds
• Battery dies quickly → Close apps, reduce brightness
• Can't make calls → Check signal bars, restart phone
═══════════════════════════════════════════════
Remember: This phone is YOURS to keep.
Stay connected. You matter.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════General Requirements (Most States):
Action Items:
| Item | Cost per Unit | Quantity | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rugged smartphones (new) | $180 | 10 | $1,800 |
| Refurbished smartphones | $80 | 10 | $800 |
| Cases & screen protectors | $20 | 20 | $400 |
| Equipment Subtotal | $3,000 | ||
| Service plans (6 months @ $14/mo) | $84 | 20 | $1,680 |
| SIM cards (if needed) | $5 | 20 | $100 |
| Service Subtotal | $1,780 | ||
| Printed materials (handouts, forms) | $100 | ||
| Shipping/handling for purchased phones | $150 | ||
| YEAR ONE TOTAL | $5,030 |
Cost per recipient served: $252
Email Template for Tello (or other carriers):
Subject: Nonprofit Partnership Inquiry - Mobile Connectivity Ministry
Dear Tello Partnership Team,
[Church Name] operates a nonprofit Mobile Connectivity Ministry serving individuals experiencing homelessness in [City, State]. We are writing to inquire about potential partnership opportunities.
Our program provides smartphones and 6-month text/voice plans to individuals without housing or financial means to maintain phone service, enabling them to access emergency services, social workers, job opportunities, and community resources.
We anticipate serving 20-40 individuals in our first year and are exploring:
1. Bulk/nonprofit pricing for prepaid plans
2. Simplified activation processes for multiple lines
3. SIM card donations or reduced pricing
4. Collaboration on Lifeline program enrollment
Would Tello be interested in discussing how we might work together to extend communication access to our community's most vulnerable members?
We welcome a call at your convenience: [Phone number]
Thank you for considering this partnership.
In service,
[Your Name]
[Title]
[Church Name]
[Contact Information]| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Device loss/theft | Accept as program cost; focus on impact for those who retain devices |
| Service abuse (excessive use) | Choose unlimited talk/text plans to avoid overage issues |
| Recipient moves out of area | Phone remains functional; service continues regardless of location |
| Difficulty reaching recipient after 6 months | Build relationships with case managers/shelters for follow-up |
| Device technical issues | Partner with your laptop ministry volunteers for basic troubleshooting |
6-Month Transition Strategy:
Long-Term Vision:
"In 2025, our Mobile Connectivity Ministry provided 35 individuals experiencing homelessness with smartphones and 6 months of voice/text service. Recipients used their phones to maintain contact with case managers (89%), connect to emergency services (12 reported instances), and apply for employment (23 recipients). Through Lifeline enrollment assistance, 19 recipients (54%) transitioned to sustained long-term service."
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." - Matthew 25:35