Families in Sacramento’s Marina Vista and Alder Grove affordable housing communities are heading into the school year with new technology thanks to a partnership between the City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA).
The City’s Information Technology Department recently made more than 60 retired laptops available to SHRA through the City’s surplus property program. SHRA distributed the devices to residents during a back-to-school event July 17 at Marina Vista.
According to SHRA, nearly every laptop recipient went to school-aged children. The computers will help families access online learning, employment opportunities and other essential services from home.
The partnership builds on the City’s ongoing work to expand digital access in affordable housing communities. In addition to providing the laptops, the IT Department has supported SHRA’s Last Mile broadband project and provided technical expertise as the agency developed free Wi-Fi networks at Marina Vista and Alder Grove.
“Access to technology opens doors to education, employment and essential services,” said Manuel Martinez, IT operations manager for the City. “We’re proud these retired City laptops are continuing to serve the community by helping families stay connected and giving students the tools they need to succeed.”
SHRA Interim Executive Director Kris Warren said the laptops were one of the highlights of the agency’s back-to-school event.
“The City’s IT Department has been an awesome partner in the sense of being a huge part of our efforts in bridging the digital divide to our affordable housing communities,” Warren said. “Not only have they brought the Last Mile project to Marina Vista, but we received invaluable input and support from Manny Martinez as we were developing our free WiFi networks at our Marina Vista and Alder Grove properties.”
The City regularly replaces computers as part of its technology lifecycle. Through the surplus property program, retired equipment can continue serving the community by supporting partner agencies and the residents they serve.
The laptop distribution is part of the City’s broader efforts to expand digital access in underserved neighborhoods.
Through the Last Mile Broadband Project, the City is working to bring high-speed fiber internet to 1500 residential units. The project, funded through state and federal grants, is designed to improve access to education, employment, health care and other essential online services.