Brookline Providing Seniors In Need With Tablets, Internet Access

Brookline MA

29 November, 2021

10:44 AM

Description

BROOKLINE, MA — The Town of Brookline has launched a pilot program to keep low-income seniors connected to the internet during the pandemic. The program will provide Brookline seniors and adults with disabilities who are living alone with free tablets and internet service for a year. Technical support is also available via the Tech Buddies program launched last year. "The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to assist low-income families with internet access and many communities responded, but many low-income seniors lost their ability to access the internet through public libraries and other low or no-cost means," said Emergency Management Director John Sullivan in a statement. "This program is aimed at providing a connection to those seniors who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 and who are, in many instances, the most isolated due to the pandemic." The program is funded through a $28,000 grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, which was awarded to the Brookline Office of Emergency Management in April. To date, 47 individuals have been pre-qualified for the program and tablets have been delivered to 18 of them. During at-home deliveries of the tablets, volunteers provide basic education and offer to return as needed so that participants gain the confidence they need to use their tablets, which are pre-loaded with links to websites and apps to get participants started. Each tablet also comes with a protective case and 12 months of free antivirus software donated by Lookout Antivirus. "It is vitally important that seniors be able to stay connected to their communities, loved ones and important health resources while staying safe amid the pandemic, and we hope this program will facilitate that for seniors who have few other options," said Sullivan. "I encourage all Brookline residents who qualify and need this assistance to reach out to us immediately." To qualify for the program, you must be a low-income Brookline resident age 60 or over or a low-income adult of any age with a disability. Those living in Brookline Housing Authority properties and those already participating in other public assistance programs qualify, as do individuals making $25,760 or less and couples making $34,840. For more information, contact Sarah Kaplan from the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations at 617-730-2329 or [email protected].