GONZALES — Distribution of free mobile hotspots will likely continue for the next few weeks, as an estimated 1,000 have already been given out to Gonzales residents.
The most recent handouts have taken place at Vosti Center on Centennial Drive, where staff from the city’s recreation department observe social distancing while having residents fill out paperwork and obtain their device. The city will continue to host handouts until all the hotspots are gone.
“This is a pilot program by the city and we are paying for it for two years,” said Carmen Gil, the city’s community engagement and strategic partnership director.
Wording on the boxes says the hotspots are good for 30 days, when in fact the city has funded the devices to operate for two years free for residents.
“We’re working closely with the schools to make sure that every student has one as well,” Gil said. “During these times, it’s a priority they have access to the internet so that they’re able to do their coursework.”
Employees from the recreation department, who used to do child care and after-school activities, have shifted duties under the shelter-in-place directives and instead work to provide curbside pickup of the hotspots.
“They’ve been very great and willing to help out and make sure everyone has their hotspot,” Gil said. “We’re taking social distancing to heart and making sure people stay in their cars, and we’re 6 feet away from each other to make sure that safety of everybody is accounted for.”
With several hundred more hotspots to get into the hands of residents, the city is planning continued distribution dates.
Gil noted the most up-to-date information on handout dates and times would be on the city website gonzalesca.gov, and on the city’s Facebook page.
“There’s no rush to come all at once,” she said. “We’re actually discouraging that because we’ll have plenty of opportunities.”
Hotspot handouts will take place today, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 3 p.m., and on Tuesday, April 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Vosti Center, 107 Centennial Drive.
