CNM News:

SANTA FE — Thursday, the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) announced the kickoff for a statewide campaign to help get refurbished computers to community members and organizations in need.

As part of the state’s commitment to supporting digital equity and inclusion, OBAE will be working with Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization focused on advancing digital equity through computer ownership. OBAE and Digitunity will connect individual and corporate donors with regional nonprofits that can help get donated computers refurbished and distributed to New Mexicans.

“Thousands of New Mexicans face barriers because they don’t have a computer, and we are very excited to start this campaign, especially for families and organizations in areas recovering from fires and floods,” said Jennifer Nevarez, a member of OBAE’s Broadband and Digital Equity Support Team. “We are reaching out to companies and others willing to donate usable technology. This is a wonderful way to get computers to people who really need them.”

OBAE and Digitunity began the effort last weekend at the Governor’s Cabinet in Your Community events in Mescalero and Ruidoso, where residents—hard-hit by the South Fork and Salt Fires—were able to apply for a free, refurbished desktop computer. Distribution of the devices in Ruidoso will begin next month during National Digital Inclusion Week.

Access to computer and other hardware is a key barrier identified in New Mexico’s Digital Equity Plan, which outlines a range of goals and initiatives to ensure that all New Mexicans and communities have the technology, skills and capacity needed to benefit in the digital world.

If you want to donate a computer, visit https://connect.nm.gov/computers.

If you have any questions about the donation campaign, you can contact Jennifer Nevarez at Jennifer.nevarez@connect.nm.gov.