Digitunity Partners With New Mexico to Help Residents in Need Obtain Computers

NORTH CONWAY, N.H., October 29, 2024 (Newswire.com) - Digitunity, a national nonprofit, has teamed up with the New Mexico State Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) to get donated computers into the hands of individuals and families in need. 

The joint computer donation effort was launched last month in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where Digitunity and OBAE worked together to help residents who had suffered from the recent wildfires and flooding in that region to apply to receive a computer. Through a computer donation campaign, individual and corporate technology donors are connected with local organizations that will distribute computers to those who have applied for a computer.

The goal of the new partnership is to help expand computer access to underserved communities and provide hardware to people.

“This is a vital collaboration between Digitunity and OBAE in that digital access is extremely important in these times,” said Scot Henley, Digitunity Executive Director. “People need computers and broadband access for education, telehealth, employment, and access to crucial services. We are excited to get these devices to those who need them.”

Before donated computers are handed out to individuals and organizations, they will be refurbished and repaired to ensure they are fully functional.

“Broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” said Jennifer Nevarez, a member of OBAE’s Broadband and Digital Equity Support Team. “OBAE has identified access to computers and hardware as one of the main barriers preventing people from fully participating in the digital world, and we are pleased to be a part of this important partnership.“

Digitunity is actively working with the U.S. General Services Administration to operationalize the Computers for Veterans and Students Act of 2022 (COVS), set to launch in 2026. Once in place, this program will enable government agencies to donate repairable, out-of-service computers to nonprofit refurbishers, greatly expanding the availability of affordable technology.

To donate computers, please visit: https://connect.nm.gov/computers 

About Digitunity

Digitunity is a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding computer ownership and advancing digital equity. For nearly 40 years, Digitunity has been generating and distributing donated computers to organizations serving individuals in need. It supports a robust national network of practitioners and provides expert guidance to states, cities, and coalitions on strategies to address the ongoing device needs of communities affected by the digital divide. Learn more at Digitunity.org.

About OBAE

OBAE is dedicated to serving New Mexico with a commitment to make high-speed broadband accessible to all New Mexicans. OBAE’s mission is to expand and improve high-speed internet service with passionate leadership that drives bold, equitable and affordable solutions. 

Source: Digitunity