Phones Are Used For 911 Emergency Calls and Fundraising

Purpose
Drop off locations
Can I mail them?
Frequently Asked Questions
In Case of Emergency, dial 'ICE'

In an effort to give domestic violence victims assistance in calling for help and to raise money for domestic violence programs, the Mecklenburg County Women's Commission is collecting used, unwanted cell phones. Many of the phones go to domestic violence victims for use in emergency situations, with others sold to provide funds for shelters and social service providers.

    
The Women's Commission is working with Shelter Alliance in the effort, tapping into an estimated 30 million idle phones sitting in drawers and closets nationwide.  More than 200 organizations nationwide collect cell phones for 911 emergency purposes and fundraising. 

Some of the phones are provided to domestic violence victims or potential victims to call 911 in the event of an emergency. A cell phone can be programmed to call 911, regardless of whether the user has purchased a service plan or not. The phone simply needs to be fully charged. 911 services are automatic on any home or business phone where previous phone services had been in place, whether there is a dial tone or not. 

Many more phones cannot be used due to the previous user's account information is still intact. The Women's Commission gives these phones to Shelter Alliance (http://www.shelteralliance.net/), which salvages parts or refurbishes and distributes the phones for use. Shelter Alliance gives a monetary contribution for these unusable cell phones. The money collected by the Women's Commission is earmarked for a variety of safety items, which are then extended to domestic violence victims.

Phones can be dropped off at the Women's Commission office at the Hal Marshall County Services Center, 700 North Tryon Street in Charlotte, between the hours of 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, call 704-432-1568.

If you would like to mail them, please address to:

Mecklenburg County Women's Commission
c/o Mike Sexton
700 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28202

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: I was getting ready to send you two used cell phones. However, I noticed that when I turn the phones on, the display screen still shows my cell phone number (even though the phones are inactive). Therefore, I am hesitant to send my phones because whoever will be receiving them will have access to my cell phone number. I was wondering if you have ever encountered this situation before and, if so, how you dealt with it.

A: The first thing I do when receiving used cell phones is clear out all the old account information including phone number, phonebook, messages, etc.  I then confirm that the phone can reach 911 after being fully charged.

If I cannot achieved either of these I send the phone to Shelter Alliance where they salvage the parts or totally rebuild the phone before distibuting it.  http://www.shelteralliance.net/ 

Q: Do you need the chargers and adaptors?

A: Yes and No.  Your best bet is to send us everything. 

The charger is needed to charge the battery.  Without the battery charged the phone cannot reach 911.  If the charger is lost the phone will be sent to Shelter Alliance where they totally rebuild the phone.

Q: Do you need the SIMM card for the phone to work?

A: No.  

Call Mike Sexton at 704-432-1568 or email him with any questions or further information.