Computers Assisting People aka CAP Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit Ohio corporation formed in 1997.

Long before the term “digital divide” became ubiquitous, CAP volunteers were working to bring the life-changing power of technology to all the people of Cleveland and beyond.

CAP started in 1995 as a project of the Greater Cleveland PC Users Group. At a gathering of user group leaders at Fall Comdex in the early 90’s, a video was shown that demonstrated how one user group had worked on a donated system for a mother with ALS. Their efforts allowed this woman to “speak” to her children for the first time using the PC and some other technology. It was a very moving presentation and many of those in attendance decided to start similar projects with their home user groups.

The CAP project started by gathering donated computer equipment, parts and software and testing and doing repair work to create functional systems that were then donated to worthwhile causes.

With growth we began to run into problems. We received many more requests for equipment than we had PCs to give. We did not have adequate warehouse space or equipment to handle the activities. Our irregular hours and lack of a phone line or secretary caused us to miss out on some great opportunities. So we incorporated in 1997 and received a 501c3 non-profit designation.

Since then, CAP volunteers have donated about 25,000 PCs (and countless peripherals and consulting hours) to over 550 schools and non-profit organizations in the Cleveland community.

Learn more about Computers Assisting People (CAP) including how to donate, how to receive and how to volunteer.