Atlanta Tech Bank began with a simple disconnect.
Through his work with one of Atlanta’s largest homelessness service and resource centers, Atlanta native Jimmy Lowe saw how central technology had become to helping people move forward. The organization operated a career center where clients could build resumes, search and apply for jobs, and access other online resources, but some of the computers supporting that work were aging and unreliable.
After years working at Apple, Lowe knew what capable, reliable technology looked like. He also knew businesses and schools across Atlanta likely had perfectly good computers sitting unused in closets and drawers, while community organizations struggled with outdated equipment.
“There was technology sitting unused in one place that could make a meaningful difference somewhere else,” Lowe said. “The question was how to build a system that connected those two realities.”
That idea ultimately became Atlanta Tech Bank, a nonprofit Lowe founded and now serves as executive director this year, focused on getting reliable technology into the hands of people and organizations that otherwise wouldn't have access.
Giving technology a second life
Atlanta Tech Bank collects retired computers, tablets, and other technology from businesses, schools, and individuals, then prepares those devices for reuse in the community.
The organization manages the process from donation to placement, including pickup from businesses and schools, secure data erasure, testing, cleaning and refurbishment.
“We want technology donation to be both easy and worthwhile,” Lowe said. “Organizations should be able to give us equipment they no longer need, confident that it will be handled responsibly and put to good use here in Atlanta.”
Data security is an important part of that process. The team securely erases each device before preparing it for its next use, giving institutional donors a responsible alternative to storing aging equipment or simply sending it directly to recycling.
For Lowe, that last point matters.
“Our North Star is reuse,” Lowe said. “Recycling has an important role, but if a device still has useful life left, the best outcome is to keep it in use, especially when less than a mile away there may be a student trying to learn on a mobile phone or a nonprofit doing important work with limited technology.”
A computer that no longer meets an organization's needs may still be perfectly capable of supporting a job search, an online class, a telehealth appointment, or a nonprofit’s daily work. Extending the life of those devices creates both community and environmental value from technology that already exists.
Meeting needs through community partners.
Atlanta Tech Bank works largely through nonprofit and community organizations that already understand the needs of the people they serve.
That model lets Atlanta Tech Bank focus on sourcing and preparing reliable technology while its partners decide where it can have the greatest impact.
At Gateway Center, Atlanta Tech Bank has provided technology for on-site services and outreach, including iPads that let staff bring technology directly into case-management work beyond the building’s walls.
At Georgia Works, laptops and tablets have supported participants taking online classes and searching for employment. At the Partnership Against Domestic Violence, desktop computers helped equip a career-readiness center where survivors can work on resumes and complete online applications.
Specific uses vary by organization, but the underlying need is increasingly universal.
“So much of modern life assumes that you already have access to reliable technology,” Lowe said. “Applying for a job, completing schoolwork, connecting with services or even participating fully in everyday life can become incredibly difficult without it.”
Building the bridge
As Atlanta Tech Bank grows, Lowe sees opportunity on both sides of the equation.
Atlanta businesses, schools, and individuals continually replace technology. It also has nonprofit organizations and community programs that need reliable devices to serve their clients and operate effectively.
Atlanta Tech Bank is building the infrastructure between them. That means establishing a consistent pipeline of donated devices, building reliable systems to process and refurbish them, and developing strong partnerships with organizations across the city.
"There is plenty of technology in Atlanta, and there is plenty of need," Lowe said. "Our job is to close the distance between the two."
Organizations and individuals can donate technology, volunteer, or explore a partnership at atlantatechbank.org.