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Covid-19

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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Tech Kit Pickup

Bridging the Tech Divide: Empowering Our Communities with Technology!

Living Islands has been one of the recipients of Tech Kits through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)’s Digital Divide Response. This project aims to connect people to the online world by providing them with laptops, iPads, Wi-Fi payment assistance, and other necessary resources. The priority populations they seek to serve include diverse communities such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), seniors, LGBTQIA+, immigrants and refugees, individuals experiencing houselessness or housing insecurity, foster youth, domestic violence survivors, people impacted by incarceration, individuals with disabilities, and those living in poverty. These priority populations often face significant barriers to digital connectivity.

Living Islands is committed to serving the Pacific Islander community members in need and empowering them to get connected. In an era of rapid technological advancements, it is disheartening to witness the digital divide persisting in many communities. This makes it even more crucial that our community members have access to the resources provided by this project, which aims to bridge the tech divide through funding for the purchase of devices.

As Living Islands continues to work with the Digital Divide Response project with the support of ARPA, their commitment to creating a digitally connected and empowered community shines as an inspiring beacon of progress. Through their dedicated work and collaboration, they are fostering a future where access to technology is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.

Learn more here about the Digital Divide Response

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Day 2 of Living Islands’ GoFish Event: A Day Full of Learning and Sunshine

Day 2 of the Living Islands’ GoFish All-weekend Event was nothing short of spectacular, filled with outdoor learning and delightful Pacific Islander cuisine under the sunny skies.

Our enthusiastic participants dove into a series of informative outdoor classes that covered a wide range of topics, including fishing techniques, food security, water safety, and the impact of river pollution. These sessions were not just educational but interactive and engaging, encouraging everyone to stay connected with fishing as a vital community activity. We were incredibly fortunate to have experts from ODFW, Oregon Seagrant, OFB, and Portland Harbour Community Coalition, among other esteemed speakers, who shared their invaluable knowledge and insights, enhancing the overall learning experience.

The atmosphere was vibrant, and the energy infectious as community members, young and old, put their new skills to the test, with some even making their first catches! The joy and excitement of these moments were truly heartwarming.

The authentic Pacific Islander food served throughout the day was a gastronomic delight, adding a unique cultural flavor to the event.

The conversations, laughter, and shared experiences created a sense of unity and community spirit that embodied the essence of the GoFish event. As we wrap up another successful day, we’re filled with gratitude and anticipation. Today’s success only heightens our excitement for future events, and we can’t wait to bring this wonderful experience back next year!

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