Every November 11, we say thank you to the people who served. At PCs for People, we also think about what comes after the thank you, like whether a veteran can book a doctor’s appointment, apply for a job, or reach the VA from home.
Today, much of that happens on a screen. For a veteran with a working computer and a reliable connection, a lot gets easier.
What a connected veteran can do
Get care without the drive. VA News reports that more than 1.9 million veterans have taken part in more than 10 million video visits. According to the VA, a veteran needs a device with a web camera and microphone and a strong internet connection. On most devices, there is nothing to download.
Go back to school. Veterans can apply for the GI Bill online and upload any documents the VA asks for. A laptop and home internet also make it possible to take classes from anywhere.
Look for work. Job listings, applications, and online interviews all live on a screen. A full-size laptop makes it easier to write a resume, fill out an application, or take a course.
Stay close to the people who matter. A video call can bridge the distance when family and friends live far away.
The device gap follows income
None of this works without the right device, and owning one tracks closely with household income. In 2021, 56.3% of households earning under $25,000 had a desktop or laptop, compared with 96.3% of households earning $150,000 or more, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Veterans face a similar pattern. A 2024 report from the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society notes that veterans with the lowest incomes are the most likely to lack home broadband, and that veterans are more likely than non-veterans to name a missing or inadequate computer as their main barrier to getting online.
Connecting with veterans in our community
At PCs for People, we want to meet veterans where they are rather than wait for them to find us. One way we do that is by joining community events alongside local partners.
One example is the Military Stand Down events, which we’ve supported with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) and more than 50 other partner organizations. Stand Downs bring food, clothing, health screenings, and referrals for housing, employment, and health care to homeless and at-risk veterans. Our team hosts an informational table to connect veterans and their families with affordable internet, technology, and digital resources.
One event we remember well is Home for the Holidays at Target Field in December 2019. Despite a blizzard, the turnout was incredible, and it was an honor to share a meal and spend time with veterans.
We are planning more events to connect with and give back to veterans in our community in the near future. Keep an eye on our social channels for what’s coming.
How we can help
Veterans who meet our eligibility requirements can purchase affordable refurbished computers and internet service through PCs for People. Eligibility is based on household income at or below 80% of area median income, or participation in a qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. A veteran ID card is accepted as photo ID.
Know a veteran who could use a connection?
Share our eligibility page with them. If you have a story about how technology has helped a veteran in your life, we would love to hear it. You can also support our work by donating a laptop or making a gift.
Sources
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2025, June 9). How should I prepare for a video health appointment? https://www.va.gov/resources/how-should-i-prepare-for-a-video-health-appointment/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2025, September 14). VA telehealth brings care directly to veterans. VA News. https://news.va.gov/142606/va-telehealth-brings-care-directly-to-veterans/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2026, November 5). How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits. https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
