Columbia Homes for Computers program starts accepting applications from low-income families

City of Columbia officials announced on Tuesday that they are partnering with the Voluntary Action Center and the Downtown Optimist Club to provide surplus refurbished computers to eligible low-income families.

The Homes for Computers program was approved by the Columbia City Council in December 2003. More than 500 computers have been given to families though the program.

Officials said applications are available at the VAC office at 403 Vandiver Drive Suite A. Families must be enrolled before the Feb. 12 deadline.

If there are more applications received than computers available, a drawing will be held at the VAC office. Officials said priority will be given to families who do not have a computer at their home and have not previously received one through the program.

Families are eligible if they have one child in grades K-12 and reside within city limits. Monthly income must not exceed 200 percent of the Annual federal Poverty Guidelines, officials said.

Those who are chosen will be notified after Feb. 12 and computers will be distributed by the Downtown Optimist Club on Saturday Feb. 17.

For questions on the application process, call the VAC office at (573) 874-2273.