Great Rivers United Way program helps bridge the digital divide

A new program offered through Great Rivers United Way provides people with a way to get digital access.  

Working with the United Way of Wisconsin, Great Rivers United Way (GRUW) plans to distribute more than 700 no-cost laptop loans through the Techquity WI program. 

The program runs for the next two years.

The first event was Wednesday at the La Crosse Public Library. GRUW was providing 50 refurbished laptops to people who made appointments to pick up a computer.   

Great Rivers United Way Executive Director Mary Kay Wolf said that an additional 80 households are already on the list to receive a laptop. 

She says the need in the community is there. 

“In order to do anything these days, you have to be able to get to a computer. The library has free access to Wi-Fi, this does not come with broadband or Wi-Fi, so you would still have to find a place where you could get online, but then you could apply for jobs, if you’ve been trying to apply for jobs…anybody who has applied for a job lately it’s almost impossible to do without access to a computer and the internet,” said Wolf.  

Qualifying for a computer

To qualify, there are several criteria to be eligible. 

-Don’t already have a computer or tablet at home

-People need to belong to a household with an income at or below 200-percent of the federal poverty level 

-Live in a household lacking internet service or one that is under-connected  

-Belong to an ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) household 

-Have a critical need for digital access  

Once registered, they’ll call to make an appointment on when and where to pick up the laptop.

When picking up the laptop, the program provides digital navigation support. This allows people to get comfortable with using the computer, finding useful links or other helpful resources.  

Wolf said they’re looking to hold at least one distribution event in each of the seven counties served by the Great Rivers United Way.  

To find out more about the program, email them at [email protected].