Community
Connect eBus
Connecting Communities,
One Mile at a Time.
The Community Connect program utilizes innovative eBuses to connect communities by providing financial literacy training, free tax preparation services, community and veteran outreach, occupational training, and when needed, disaster response assistance resources across the United States.
Our Services
Each of our eBuses is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and are self-sustaining through our generators.
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Broadband internet
We offer broadband internet via AT&T/Verizon networks, selecting the strongest carrier in remote locations
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Computer Stations
Each of our eBus's comes with 10-13 fully equipped computer work stations with keyboards, cameras, mice, and track pads
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Copy, Print, Fax
Each of our eBus's comes equipped with copiers, printers, and scanners to ensure everyone's needs are met
Wi-Fi
We offer Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities within a 100 ft radius to maximize support for community members
Audio Visual Projection
We offer audio visual projection to provide classroom experiences, entertainment, and distribute information
Generators
Our eBuses are fully self-sustaining with generators that offer climate control and charging stations
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Our eBuses
We have two types of eBuses that focus on different needs for communities.
Financial Empowerment
Fifth Third Bank's award winning Financial Empowerment program utilizes our eRig Financial Empowerment Mobile. It will travel throughout the bank's markets to reach neighborhoods in low- and moderate-income areas that have been traditionally underserved by banks. The eRig, Fifth Third Bank and local community partners work to help people file their taxes, apply for FAFSA funds for college, and bring quality financial services directly to the communities they serve. The eRig is staffed by Fifth Third professionals to provide access to financial education and services.
Community Connect
The Community Connect / eBus program is looking forward to once again partnering with other Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) partners and volunteers to offer free tax assistance to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Many of our participants can qualify for either the state and/or federal earned income tax credit (CalEITC and EITC). The amount of the cash-back tax credit depends on income and family size. To qualify for at least one of the two cash-back credits, your wages need to be less than $64,000. People don’t need to pay to have their taxes prepared. The eBus will come to your neighborhood and friendly IRS-certified volunteers help prepare your taxes for free!
400K
Community Members who have used our services
Communities receive financial literacy training, community and veteran outreach, occupational training, and tax preparation.
Provided disaster relief for Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Katrina, and Southern California Wildfires.
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Natural Disasters we have provided services in support
Our Impact
As you found, many of the persons served were profoundly affected by the events of that week. Judy is so appreciative of the bright spot you and the e-bus provided... The bus's presence was a major, valuable support effort.
Volunteer John Hughes of National City’s Adult School Technology Dept conveying a phone call with Judy Shaplin, CEO of Mountain Empire Family Medicine/Community Center