More families getting connected online; local and statewide resources grow
Staff with Kansas City’s Connecting for Good distribute computers, hot spots and other technology to families from the Kansas City Public Schools outside the Kansas City Public Library’s Southeast Branch Friday.
A van was loaded with connectivity technology to help families in the Kansas City Public Schools.
Help is growing, near and far, for households cut off from the Internet.
Close to home Friday, a team from Connecting for Good and the Kansas City Public Library were handing out computers and hot spots to a long line of Kansas City Public Schools parents driving through in their cars.
If you can donate computer devices or funds, click on this form.
If you need help getting connected or know someone who does, click on this form.
For information on free and low-cost internet services, go to this state website.
At the same time, statewide, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced that $3.05 million is on its way to support 16 broadband development projects through the state’s broadband grant program.
The selected projects, Parsons said, will bring service to more than 4,400 Missouri homes, businesses, and farms that lack access to high-speed internet.
Get your LINC COVID-19 updates here.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development has created a web page that links to the many broadband providers and their services to help low-income households get connected during the pandemic.
“It is crucial that Missourians have an opportunity to get connected,” Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said in a written statement. “During a time in which many citizens have been instructed to stay home, reliable internet access is critical to meet needs for education, telemedicine, telecommuting, and overall quality of life.”
Connecting for Good and the Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion has been gathering donated devises, hot spots and financial donations to repurpose computers for households in need.
Some 75 families from Kansas City Public Schools were served at Friday’s distribution.
The need is ongoing.
To donate devices or financial aid, click on this form.
If you need help getting connected or know someone who needs help, click on this form.