Arman Roy Foundation Raises $42K to Help Bridge the Digital Divide at VOA-Greater New York

COVID-19 made clear how important access to technology is, and showed us the stark realities of the digital divide. Nowhere is this more evident than in our shelters.

Thanks in part to support from the Arman Roy Foundation, Volunteers of America-Greater New York is working to bridge this gap.

On June 13, 2021, the Arman Roy Foundation held their HOPE IN ONE Golf Classic, raising money to fund a tech pod at Bushwick Family Residence—our transitional shelter in Brooklyn for families experiencing homelessness. A total of $27,656 was raised during the event!

When families come to Bushwick, not only do they lack permanent housing, they could be struggling with a number of other challenges related to poverty. Children might be behind in school due to the instability they’ve experienced, or parents might be trying to get back into the workforce.

Access to a computer with reliable internet can make all the difference.

With a computer, students can more easily complete their homework or connect to remote learning, and parents can take online job training or ESL courses to develop their skills and help lift their families out of their current situation.

"That’s really what we do as an anti-poverty organization," explains Myung Lee, President and CEO of VOA-Greater New York. "We want to empower families to regain their independence and achieve stability so they can thrive in the future.”

Founded by Manisha and Pryia Roy to honor the memory of their son who passed away in 2019 at the age of 15, the Arman Roy Foundation aims to "change the lives of vulnerable youth by opening a window to wonder, opportunity and hope through technology."

In 2020, they helped fund the creation of internet-enabled learning pods at our domestic violence shelter in Brooklyn, enabling students to connect to remote learning during the pandemic.

“Arman was always mindful of how fortunate he was to have access to the latest technology," said Mrs. and Mr. Roy. "His dream was to reduce the great digital divide in terms of education and access for children in challenging socioeconomic environments."

Myung added, “It’s only fitting that Arman’s name means hope in Hindi. With this generous gift, his legacy is giving hope—as well as practical help—to so many children in VOA-Greater New York shelters.”