Free Geek Receives $300K KeyBank Grant to Bridge Digital Divide in Oregon
Free Geek, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the digital divide, has received a $300,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation. This funding will support the organization’s initiatives to deliver digital literacy education, provide hardware (both new and refurbished), and offer guidance through digital navigators.
The organization enhances its impact by collaborating with community-based groups that already deliver services in related areas such as affordable housing, workforce development, and food assistance. In partnership with Home Forward, the housing authority serving Multnomah County and nearby areas, Free Geek will launch its ‘Train the Trainer Program’ within low-income housing communities. The initiative aims to first address gaps in digital tools and skills among Home Forward residents, after which Free Geek-trained community leaders will design programs to help residents develop specialized skills that enhance their opportunities and quality of life.
Participants in Free Geek programs will gain practical knowledge of digital tools and technology to help them succeed in Home Forward’s key services, which include employment support, credit repair, savings building, entrepreneurship, youth programs, homeownership, educational advancement, and foundational digital literacy.
“Many communities in Multnomah County still face a significant digital divide, with residents lacking access to computers or the skills to use them effectively,” said Juan Muro, Executive Director of Free Geek. “Our collaboration with Home Forward will ensure these families enjoy the same digital advantages as others, and their children can access online educational resources. This grant will help us expand internet connectivity, place devices into the hands of those who need them, and equip people with the skills to thrive in a digital world.”
“At KeyBank, we are committed to helping communities flourish, which includes addressing educational disparities that may limit people from achieving their potential,” said Josh Lyons, president of KeyBank in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Angel Reyes, KeyBank’s Corporate Responsibility Officer for Oregon and Southwest Washington, added, “We were impressed by the program’s comprehensive approach, which helps participants improve skills ranging from securing higher-paying employment to enhancing financial literacy, accessing healthcare more easily, and handling daily tasks like bill payments and community engagement.”
The organization enhances its impact by collaborating with community-based groups that already deliver services in related areas such as affordable housing, workforce development, and food assistance. In partnership with Home Forward, the housing authority serving Multnomah County and nearby areas, Free Geek will launch its ‘Train the Trainer Program’ within low-income housing communities. The initiative aims to first address gaps in digital tools and skills among Home Forward residents, after which Free Geek-trained community leaders will design programs to help residents develop specialized skills that enhance their opportunities and quality of life.
Participants in Free Geek programs will gain practical knowledge of digital tools and technology to help them succeed in Home Forward’s key services, which include employment support, credit repair, savings building, entrepreneurship, youth programs, homeownership, educational advancement, and foundational digital literacy.
“Many communities in Multnomah County still face a significant digital divide, with residents lacking access to computers or the skills to use them effectively,” said Juan Muro, Executive Director of Free Geek. “Our collaboration with Home Forward will ensure these families enjoy the same digital advantages as others, and their children can access online educational resources. This grant will help us expand internet connectivity, place devices into the hands of those who need them, and equip people with the skills to thrive in a digital world.”
“At KeyBank, we are committed to helping communities flourish, which includes addressing educational disparities that may limit people from achieving their potential,” said Josh Lyons, president of KeyBank in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Angel Reyes, KeyBank’s Corporate Responsibility Officer for Oregon and Southwest Washington, added, “We were impressed by the program’s comprehensive approach, which helps participants improve skills ranging from securing higher-paying employment to enhancing financial literacy, accessing healthcare more easily, and handling daily tasks like bill payments and community engagement.”
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