County Helps Change Lives Through Technology

Thousands of San Diego County residents do not own a computer or have access to the internet at home.

For more than a decade, the County has been trying to change that by donating older computers to the San Diego Futures Foundation (SDFF), which in turn refurbishes the computers and provides them at low or no-cost to non-profits, schools, and low-income families.

“This is great benefit to individuals because they can receive a computer without spending money often needed for other critical expenses. It provides families with access to software and the internet – which many of us take for granted,” said Harold Tuck, County Chief Information Officer and one of 14 foundation board members. “The benefit to organizations that receive computers is the financial advantage of receiving refurbished machines as opposed to buying new equipment.”

Since the program was created in 1999 by the County Board of Supervisors, SDFF has provided more than 27,000 computers and 25,000 hours of low-cost technology support to our community. Each year, the County, through HP Enterprise Services, replaces roughly 1/3 of County employee computers. The used computers are then sent to SDFF to renew. Finally, the computers are available to nonprofits and qualified individuals in San Diego County.

This year SDFF opened a Community Technology Center where residents can learn about technology and receive technical assistance with their computers. The Tech Center is located at 4305 University Ave., #130 in City Heights.

For more information on the program or SDFF, visit sdfutures.org or call (619) 269-1684.