Non-profit provides free cellphones for low-income households in Monterey County

Non-profit “Budget Mobile” was out in Salinas Friday, giving free cellphones to qualified applicants. This is the first time this year the organization has come to Monterey County.

So far organizers have passed out about100 cellphones. It’s a federally funded program, you must be on some sort of state or federal assistance like WIC or Medi-Cal to qualify. Only one person per household can sign up.

“It helps folks out that are looking for jobs, maybe they are trying to start a new career. They’re out there trying to find a place where they can communicate with their family also too,” said Angel Longoria with “Budget Mobile.”

The service is only free for one year and doesn’t include a data plan, but it does provide unlimited talk and text nationwide.