Linux Against Poverty

is an annual computer drive and install fest hosted by Lynn Bender of GeekAustin and Ken Starks (blog) of The Helios Project.

Our first installfest in 2009, at Union Park Austin, collected and refurbished over $35,000 in computers for delivery to Central Texas children. Our goal for 2010 is to deliver $50,000 in computers.

Linux Against Poverty

is based on a simple idea:

1. There are children throughout Central Texas who, for one reason or another, don't have access to a computer at home. This puts them at a disadvantage in school, and limits their access to all the free resources which many of us take for granted.
2. There is a surplus of unused older computers -- sitting under desks and in closets in people's homes, and sitting decommissioned in IT/storage rooms at companies throughout Austin.
3. There is large group of open source pros and advocates throughout Austin who would gladly spend a Saturday afternoon with friends repairing, refurbishing, and installing Linux on these machines so that they good be passed on to children who can use them.

All you have to do is connect the dots.

Linux Against Poverty

is also a conservation project. Many of the computers we receive were destined for the ferrous scrap heap. By repairing and refurbishing them, we extend their usable life a few years and help to minimize the ferrous waste created each year.

interested in helping?

Join us as a volunteer, a sponsor, or donate a computer.