Voluntary Action Center, Downtown Optimist Club to distribute used City of Columbia computers in Homes for Computers program Feb. 29

(COLUMBIA, MO) - On Saturday, Feb. 29, 50 City of Columbia used computers will find new homes in local households. The City of Columbia, the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) and the Downtown Optimist Club partner each year to provide used computers and equipment to eligible VAC clients as part of the Homes for Computers Program.  The used computers are being donated to clients who are enrolled in VAC programs and who applied and were found eligible for the program.

Clients selected for a computer have already been contacted by VAC and will receive their computer Saturday between 9 to 11 a.m. at the Downtown Optimist Club Building, 1201 Grand Ave. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department will provide training on internet safety during the distribution.

The City’s Information Technology Department worked to prepare the computers for distribution with the assistance of a CARE (Career Awareness Related Experience) student.

Homes for Computers was approved by City Council in December 2003. The intent of the program was to "..bridge the digital divide." Today, the program is a part of the City’s Strategic Plan in Social Equity. With this event, the total number of computers donated is more than 650. 

Questions about the Homes for Computer program should be directed to Olivia Little, Social Services Specialist with the Voluntary Action Center, at 573.874.2273.