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Article

Title: S.F. Homeless Get Free Phone Numbers

Author: Vega, Cecilia M Article Type: Product Analysis
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, pB1(2) Publication Date: Feb 28, 2008
URL of Publication: http://www.sfgate.com

Google Inc. is partnering with homeless shelters in San Francisco to give free local phone numbers and voicemail accounts to the homeless. The hope is that the ability to receive messages will help homeless individuals find jobs as well as connect with friends and family. By using a personal identification number, homeless individuals will be able to check their messages from any telephone. Users can record a personalized greeting and their account and phone number will not expire. To accomplish this, Google is employing and building on infrastructure acquired when it purchased startup Grand Central last year. Grand Central created a service that allowed users to route all their calls, including cell and home and business numbers, to one number. More than 4,000 phone numbers have already been given out and Google hopes to be working with all homeless shelters in San Francisco by the end of the year. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom praised the effort at a Bimonthly event for homeless people, and homeless individuals have responded positively to the program as well.

Companies:
Google Inc Grand Central Communications Inc

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