Irving First Texas City to Launch Computer Reuse Program

The City of Irving has introduced a pilot program that offers free city-owned computer equipment to qualifying low- and moderate-income families and nonprofit organizations. Irving is the first city in Texas and the second in the U.S. to offer a computer reuse program. 
 
Computers were presented to six Irving families and two nonprofit organizations in April at City Hall. Twenty-five computers have been allotted this year.
 
“I think it’s fantastic what the City of Irving has done for us,” said Brenda Fowlkes, computer recipient. “I’ll use it for research and for paying bills, and my daughter will be able to use it for projects in school.”
 
Information Technology, Solid Waste Services, and Housing and Human Services successfully collaborated to create the pilot program. City employees refurbished the computers prior to distribution and installed software donated by the Microsoft Corporation.

“The city hopes the Irving Computer Reuse Program will create opportunities for parents, caregivers and children to come together through technology and produce limitless opportunities in their lives,” said Councilman Joe Philipp.
 
Recipients are responsible for installing the equipment. When the time comes to dispose of the computer, recipients agree to properly discard it using the city’s drop-off electronic recycling locations.
 
To take full advantage of the computers, recipients are encouraged to attend training classes offered by resources such as the Irving Public Library and North Lake College.

The Irving Public Library offers free computer classes on a regular basis. Visit www.irving.net for details about computer classes offered in English and Spanish.