Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization, has partnered with the New Mexico State Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) to distribute donated computers to individuals and families in need.
This collaborative computer donation initiative was launched last month in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where Digitunity and OBAE worked together to assist residents affected by recent wildfires and flooding. They helped these residents apply for computer donations. The campaign connects individual and corporate technology donors with local organizations that will facilitate the distribution of computers to those who have applied.
The goal of this partnership is to expand computer access to underserved communities and provide essential hardware to those in need.
“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.”
Donated computers will be refurbished and repaired before distribution to individuals and organizations, ensuring 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 collaborating with the U.S. General Services Administration to implement the Computers for Veterans and Students Act of 2022 (COVS), which is set to launch in 2026. Once operational, this program will allow government agencies to donate repairable, out-of-service computers to nonprofit refurbishers, significantly increasing access to affordable technology.
