New Computer Lab Opens in Brownsville Homeless Shelter

BROWNSVILLE – A new computer lab, aimed at helping homeless adults and children alike, has opened at the Flagstone Family Center.

The 14 donated Apple computers will help residents with schoolwork and skill development, as well as resume building and job seeking.

“The lab will help young people and their families build critical computer skills and compete successfully in our highly technical world,” said Joanne Oplustil, President of CAMBA, the human services organization that operates the family center.

The computers were donated by the Rogosin Institute, a non-profit focused on kidney disease. Along with using technology to advance learning and find work, the group hopes access to computers will allow shelter residents to take control of and improve their health.

Last year, the Rogosin Institute donated computers to form a similar computer lab at CAMBA’s family center in Kensington.

“CAMBA’s Kensington and Flagstone computer labs… help residents bridge the digital divide to better their own health and economic opportunities,” said Dr. Barry Smith, president of the Rogosin Institute.

Joslyn Carter, administrator at the Department of Homeless Services, cited the need for “greater access to opportunity in an increasingly digital world,” as residents homeless shelters use the computer lab to apply for work and find housing in their efforts toward stable, permanent housing.

The Flagstone Family Center serves about 650 clients per year and is run by CAMBA through a combination of city and state funds.