Opportunity Home Selected for AARP Grant to Bridge Digital Divide for Seniors
Aug. 1, 2024
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Opportunity Home San Antonio was selected as a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant recipient. With this quick-action grant totaling $11,281, Opportunity Home will institute improvements in its communities by increasing access to devices and enhancing digital skills for residents who are age 50 and older.
The organization is one of only 343 grantees selected (out of more than 3,300 applications) from across all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as part of the eighth annual AARP Community Challenge.
Opportunity Home will use the funds to purchase and install Chromebox desktops at 11 property community rooms and purchase 15 laptops to use in Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) classes. In partnership with OATS, digital literacy classes will be held at four Opportunity Home properties serving adults age 50 and older, empowering up to 2,421 residents with new digital literacy skills.
“This funding will enhance access and upskill adults 50 and older, fostering connectivity and boosting their technology skills,” said Opportunity Home Director of Resident Services Joel Tabar. “Our efforts made possible by the grant further supports our mission and commitment to bridging the digital divide, especially for our senior communities.”
Through the AARP Community Challenge, approximately $3.8 million is being invested across the country through quick-action projects. These funds will assist urban, rural and suburban communities in making immediate improvements, jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages, and bolster its investment in digital connectivity, community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities.