Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phoenix Data Center ? (top)
Phoenix is a searchable directory of service providers that are located within Santa Clara County and its neighboring communities. It exists as the World Wide Web site www.phoenixdatacenter.org. Information is grouped by services, geographic area, and agency. Links to agency and provider web sites, their e-mail addresses, and maps to their locations are also included. We list our information from a consumer perspective -- useful, real-world descriptions of the actual service each agency offers.
Do the listings include for-profit organizations? (top)
Phoenix Data Center tries to list as many service providers as possible. Some may be for-profit. Most are not.
Who uses the directory? [top]
Because the directory is on the World Wide Web, it is available to anyone with access to the Internet, either through home, school, church, hospital, social service agency, shelter, or library. We designed the directory to be used by anyone seeking information or assistance for themselves, a family member, client, employee, or anyone in need.
Why does Phoenix Data Center exist? (top)
Our mission is to provide tools to link the community more effectively with services in the region. Connecting those in need with those who can help. See our About section for more.
How long has Phoenix Data Center been in existence? (top)
Phoenix has been around since 1991, and has 16 years of experience informing the community. We originally provided agencies and the community at large with the "Meal Source," a hand-out sheet listing who was providing the homeless and low-income community with free and low cost meals. In addition to the Meal Source, we now provide information on food (the Food Source), health (the Health Source), legal aid (the Legal Source) and shelters (the Shelter Source), Senoirs (the Senior Source) and information or links to neighboring county services.
How is the Phoenix Data Center funded? (top)
To date we have had no grants or funding. We exist solely on the volunteer effort and community support. We also provide consulting services on short-term web site projects.
What are the costs and benefits for agencies? (top)
- Free, updated information (no cost to the city, county or community for use).
- Community and county agencies, organizations and grass root providers can share information on services without bearing the cost of creating or buying added resources.
- An easy to use and continually updated source for critical information about services -- all in one place.
- Links to neighboring cities and counties with the same or related resources at no cost.
- Over 800 community providers participating.
What about organizations and individuals who do not have Web access? (top)
Write to us with your requested information. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Send your request to:
Phoenix Data Center of Santa Clara County
Attn: Lourdes Pollard
Web-Site Administrator
PO Box 1713
Los Gatos, CA 95031
Who is responsible for the data? (top)
All data on the site is collected, entered, and maintained by volunteers. They perform the following functions:
What is the cost of starting and maintaining the directory? [top]
Because we began by collecting used and unwanted computer equipment, our operating costs have been less then $5,000.00 a year. But, we are growing, as is the community's need to get access to our information.
What are your present needs? (top)
Read all about our needs in the Make a Donation and Volunteer Opportunities sections.
Where will future funding come from? (top)
Because Phoenix Data Center provides free service to almost every segment of the community, we will be looking for funding from four major sectors: local governments, foundations, individuals, and the private sector.
