Digital Inclusion Week: Comcast and Mary’s Place Empower Seattle Families

By Andy Colley, Senior Director and Copywriter for Comcast NBCUniversal

As we celebrate Digital Inclusion Week 2025, we’re reminded that access to technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a lifeline. This year’s theme, Community-Driven Digital Futures, resonates deeply with Comcast’s mission to ensure every individual has the tools and support they need to thrive in today’s digital world. One of the most powerful examples of this commitment is our enduring partnership with Mary’s Place, a Seattle-based nonprofit that provides shelter and services to families experiencing homelessness.

A Decade of Impact: Comcast + Mary’s Place
Since 1999, Mary’s Place has helped thousands of women and families move out of homelessness into more stable situations. For over nine years, Comcast has collaborated closely with Mary’s Place to provide digital opportunities for families in crisis. What began as a shared vision has grown into a robust collaboration that includes:

• Free WiFi Lift Zones in five Mary’s Place shelters across King County, giving families access to online resources for education, job training, housing searches, and more.
• Digital kiosks installed at emergency shelters and the Allen Family Center are designed with universal symbols and multilingual support to help guests navigate services with confidence.
• Technology grants, including a recent $40,000 donation to provide laptops, phones, and software to families transitioning into stable housing.

These tools aren’t just about connectivity—they’re about empowerment. They help parents apply for jobs, children complete homework, and families stay connected to vital services. They also support Mary’s Place staff with real-time data, improving efficiency and care delivery.

Stories of Hope and Progress
At the heart of this partnership are the families whose lives have been transformed. One mother shared how access to a digital kiosk helped her schedule medical appointments and find legal aid while caring for her children. Another family used the Lift Zone WiFi to attend virtual job interviews and secure employment. These stories reflect the real-world impact of digital inclusion—and the dignity it restores.

Project UP: A Broader Commitment
Comcast’s work with Mary’s Place is part of Project UP, our $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunity nationwide. Through Lift Zones, digital literacy programs, and community partnerships, we’re building pathways to economic mobility and inclusion for all.

Looking Ahead
As we mark Digital Inclusion Week, we reaffirm our commitment to closing the digital divide. We’re proud to stand with Mary’s Place and countless other organizations working to ensure that technology uplifts, connects, and empowers—especially for those who need it most. Together, we’re not just building networks. We’re building futures.