Cybertelecom Federal Internet Law & Policy An Educational Project

Federal Funding :: HUD :: HHS

US Department of Housing and Urband Development

ConnectHome

Every child should be given the same opportunity to build a brighter future and to achieve their dreams.

That’s why the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Obama Administration are launching ConnectHome – a pilot initiative that will accelerate broadband adoption by children and families living in HUD-assisted housing across the nation.

Our work seeks to:

1. Make broadband Internet more adoptable by building new models to provide broadband infrastructure and to offer residents free or discounted service.
2. Make broadband Internet more valuable by giving residents localized, free, and culturally sensitive training in essential digital literacy skills that will allow them to effectively utilize high-speed Internet.
3. Make broadband Internet adoption sustainable by providing devices and technical support to our residents and by refocusing existing HUD resources to supplement and sustain the work of ConnectHome.

Neighborhood Networks (legacy program)

• FY2005: $15 Million
• "HUD created Neighborhood Networks in 1995 to encourage property owners to establish multiservice community learning centers in HUD insured and assisted properties. Neighborhood Networks was one of the first federal initiatives to promote self-sufficiency and help provide computer access to low-income housing communities.
• Neighborhood Networks centers help:
• Improve computer access.
• Advance literacy.
• Prepare residents to take advantage of employment opportunities.
• Provide access to healthcare information and other social services.

Today, in urban centers and rural towns across America, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, more
than 1,100 Neighborhood Networks centers are putting the power of technology in the hands of people. No two Neighborhood Networks centers are alike. With support from innovative public-private partnerships,
Neighborhood Networks centers sponsor a range of services and programs. Nearly all centers offer job
training and educational opportunities, and many also provide programs that include access to healthcare
information and microenterprise development.
Want to learn more? We invite you to further explore Neighborhood Networks through the links provided. You can also e-mail us at neighborhoodnetworks@hud.gov, or call the Neighborhood Networks Information Center toll-free at 312-2743.
How is Neighborhood Networks different from other government programs?
Neighborhood Networks is not a federal grant program. The initiative  encourages centers to be self-sustaining through partnerships, business opportunities, and other income-generating options. It is an innovative, place-based approach to housing and community development. Neighborhood Networks encourages residents to become involved in the actual planning and development of self-sustaining centers.
What is HUD's role?
HUD works behind the scenes to encourage creation and expansion of Neighborhood Networks centers across the country. HUD staff may help guide communities through the Neighborhood Networks center development process, from business plan to grand opening to program expansion. HUD also provides information and networking opportunities for participants to learn how to develop a center, contact potential partners, and draw upon the experiences and successful practices of existing centers. HUD also may provide limited assistance to help launch the centers. FAQs

Department of Health and Human Services

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program [link no longer works]

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families by granting states the federal funds and wide flexibility to develop and implement their own welfare programs.  See as part of the program the Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network.
• This program has reportedly been used to provide funding to the Glendale School District, Pennsylvania, to create a wireless broadband network around the school.  Pennsylvania Targets Digital Divide, Government Technology Dec. 9, 2002