The demand for affordable devices in our community far outstrips supply—something that we have encountered in supporting organizations with laptop distributions. This imbalance can be partially alleviated if residents with older non-functioning laptops can have their devices repaired instead of waiting on a replacement.
This is where device diagnostic and repair events become a critical piece of the device access puzzle. Such events provide a convenient and accessible way for people to have their laptops diagnosed and (possibly) repaired, allowing them to keep their devices and their connection to the internet at no-cost.
Keeping their own devices also allows people to continue working with a device that they find familiar—and to hold on to a device that might also contain their personal data.
So what do these events look like on the ground, as it were?
Laptop Repair Event at CPCC
One such event was held this past October in collaboration with Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), which was gracious enough to also host the event at their central campus Parr Center. Students, faculty, and residents were able to bring laptops to be serviced by industry professionals who volunteered their time and expertise.
One such CDE long-standing resident partner was Maurice Lewis, Owner and CEO of Moe Got IT, a company at the intersection of IT and entertainment. Lewis is also an IT enthusiast and philanthropist who is “passionate about bridging digital divides” and driving positive change.
Lewis shared a great account of what he saw at the event: “It felt incredibly rewarding to assist people in fixing their laptops. Seeing their relief and joy when their devices were restored was heartwarming…but what truly touched me were the stories they shared. Hearing how these repairs allowed them to apply for jobs, secure interviews, and ultimately land the positions they needed was deeply fulfilling. It’s amazing how something as simple as a working laptop can make such a profound impact on someone’s life.”
Lewis continues: “The community embraced what we provided as a truly wonderful addition, and the fact that it was offered completely free of charge made it even more special. The support we brought was not only helpful but also accessible to everyone, ensuring no one was left behind.”
Digital Navigators were also on hand at this event to help people sign up for low-cost home internet plans, find classes to improve digital skills, and troubleshoot basic computer questions. “The Digital Navigators played an incredible role in this success,” recounts Lewis. “[They offered] guidance, patience, and expertise that didn’t go unnoticed…It was heartening to see the smiles and hear the gratitude, reaffirming the value of this effort and how it enriched so many lives.
“Knowing I played a small part in helping [people] move forward made the experience all the more meaningful. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love helping others.”
Related Events
While future Device Diagnostic and Repair Events are still in the works, the CDE is still working with partners to ensure that device distribution is still happening, too.
For example, Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D) held a router device distribution, in partnership with eero, at the North End Community Coalition. eero (an Amazon Company) manufactures and sells mesh wifi devices. These help to extend the mesh wireless network in a larger space, and can often replace “loaned” routers provided by internet services providers at a monthly cost to residents.
E2D partnered to provide these devices for free at a distribution during Digital Inclusion Week 2024. Several CDE Digital Navigators were also on hand to support E2D, helping to ensure that residents could install and operate their routers.
With these routers, residents are now taking part in many of the advantages that the internet provides: Working from home, attending online classes, using telehealth, or just enjoying digital entertainment. Several eero devices were also critical in allowing residents to apply for local, state, and national disaster funding in Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
The CDE also teamed up with E2D for another quarterly laptop distribution. Not only did residents receive laptops, but Digital Navigators were on hand to help familiarize recipients with their new devices and register them for additional digital skilling classes as needed. (Total numbers for laptop distributions in the second half of 2024 can be found here.)