HUD continues to invest in underserved communities through infrastructure development, including the donation of 500 excess computers. HUD's gift to the colonias has enabled hundreds of Hispanic families the opportunity to celebrate the true spirit of Three Kings Day (January 6th), the spirit of giving and receiving.

The border community of Douglas, Arizona is using five computers donated through HUD's "Southwest Border Region, Colonias and Migrant/Farmworker Communities" initiative. The computers - refurbished with the latest equipment and internet connections - are part of the community's popular "Neighborhood Networks" computer center.

The center is one of the services provided by two HUD multifamily housing complexes, Coronado Courts and Casas de Esperanza. The center is managed by Beverly Hogan, who reports that more and more people are visiting and using the center every day.

Residents of all ages use the computers throughout the day and evening, according to Lupe Tapia, program assistant and computer trainer (left). Children use the computers to do homework, and adults often use the computers to learn keyboarding techniques. Older teens and adults also enjoy learning computer repair through classes offered by Cochise Community College.

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Make plans to attend a special Homeownership Fair - designed to demystify the home buying process for HUD staff who work throughout America's Homeownership Agency - next month in the Headquarters cafeteria, and via satellite broadcast.

From 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on February 5, 2003, HUD employees in Headquarters and across the country will have a unique opportunity to learn the A-B-C's of home buying, home financing, the importance of housing counseling and much more. Staff in field offices across the nation are encouraged to watch the satellite broadcast and learn how any HUD employee with the desire and just a little discipline can become a homeowner.