A flat-screen, computer tower, keyboard and mouse packaged with a Windows OS all for under $100?
Well, that’s exactly what the City of Richmond in partnership with St. Alban’s Anglican Church and Reboot Vancouver, are able to offer low-income residents of Richmond.
Founder of the drop-in centre at the church, Dianne Woodhouse, says she didn’t wish to duplicate any service already provided by the municipality when she stumbled across an interesting situation.
The City of Richmond possessed a sizeable stock of outdated, unwanted computers and affiliated technology.
So, Woodhouse says, instead of the city wasting their unwanted computers, the thought was, “Why not give back to those who need it most?”
That’s where Reboot Vancouver enters.
Dena Kae Beno, the affordable housing coordinator for the City of Richmond, was key in facilitating the relationship with the East Vancouver computer company, explains Woodhouse.
None of this could have been realized without Kae Beno’s help, said Woodhouse.
Reboot Vancouver works to refurbish and restore old computers. Their services fall within two categories, recycling and redistribution of used and discarded equipment.
After wiping computers clean, Reboot hooks it up to a screen, keyboard and mouse, installs Windows Vista or Windows 7 with a few key programs and voila, a computer system is revived and can be offered at well below standard cost.
A qualified buyer can scoop up a screen, keyboard, mouse and tower with Windows Vista OS installed for just $50. Substitute Windows 7 for Vista OS and the price jumps to a reasonable $75 to $80, depending on the stock of programs pre-installed.
Now enters St. Alban’s church where the whole thing comes together. The church provides the space, free of charge, where people can come buy the computers. The church’s drop-in centre also provides further.
assistance if it’s required after purchase, explained Michael Jarman, drop-in centre coordinator.
However, there are just two criteria that must be met by hopeful computer owners: They must be a Richmond resident and their income, $24,000 or less.
Jarman says the refurbish and recycle program is great for low-income seniors who just want to get online and surf the net.
“A computer is a good way to communicate with the outside world,” says Jarman. “Computers provide access to all kinds of things, jobs, accommodations and for learning.”
Outreach workers and volunteers, including computer scientist, Mike Komznetsoff, are available on request to assist with any questions or concerns that may crop up.
While the program is just getting off the ground, it’s off to a strong start, adds Woodhouse.
“Three computers were sold in the first week and there are orders for three more and we have three in inventory,” she says.
Woodhouse adds, they even sold a laptop to a young woman in post-secondary school who was living on social assistance and in dire need of a computer.
When asked if there’s a chance there could be a shortfall in inventory in the near future, Woodhouse laughs and says assuredly: “I don’t think so.”
She adds, the stock room at Reboot is filled with unwanted computers that will be in need of a new home. Plus, there should be a new stock of inventory ready for sale soon.
If anyone wishes to learn more about the program or has a desire to purchase a refurbished computer, they are encouraged to call St. Alban’s Anglican Church at 604-278-2770. Valid ID is recommended.
