Wilson Housing Authority, Kramden Institute donate computers to bridge technology divides

The Wilson Housing Authority and the Kramden Institute are helping bridge a technology gap in Wilson by distributing 100 computers to families.

Cars lined up around the Wilson Community Center Tuesday morning, eagerly awaiting a computer.

Lisa Smith said the computer will make a difference for her family.

"Things are tight around my house this time of year. This is truly a blessing,” Smith said.

Smith said she's bringing the computer home to her 12-year-old daughter.

"She has been sharing with me that she is very limited on the Chromebook the school provides,” Smith said. “An actual desktop computer would help her access other apps and things that would help her toward doing the best she can in school.”

This distribution event is the housing authority’s second partnership with the Kramden Institute, a non-profit that refurbishes old computers and gives them back to the community. Since 2003, The institute has given away 52,464 computers.

Director of Programs Cari DelMariani said there is a huge need.

"We know from research that folks in rural areas really need devices and connectivity to have access to this digital world that is so important,” she said.

The housing authority said it has focused on minimizing the technological disparities in Wilson for years. In 2016, it provided high-speed broadband for a low cost in its public housing, but the next step is getting computers in the homes.

Annie Ward, board chair of Wilson Housing Authority, said every computer is meaningful.

"To have it in the home and to be able to do the research that is needed to better serve them educationally is a blessing,” she said.

For some of these families, like Patricia Stevens and her grandchildren, it is their first computer ever.

"I don’t even know how to use a computer,” Stevens said. “I might learn.”

In addition to giving away the computers, the institute is providing free classes for people like Stevens who want to learn.

The housing authority says there are still many people without access, but it is a start.

"I didn’t have to do anything. I didn’t have to pay anything. I just had to show up,” Smith said.

The Kramden Institute said it is looking for ways to expand resources in rural communities like Wilson, and it is looking for opportunities for more partnerships in the new year.