May 10, 2006 - Birmingham Field Office Director Cindy Yarbrough presented 13 excess computers and a color printer to the Alabama Neighborhood Network Consortium (ANNC) at the closing session of the Southeast Affordable Housing Management Association (SAHMA). Marvin Dismukes, ANNC Vice President, accepted on behalf of Frewin Osteen, President. More than a dozen Neighborhood Networks across Alabama formed the ANNC in 2000 to help member organizations to raise funds and other resources and increase their capabilities. Osteen said, "This award helps the ANNC achieve its goal of equipping member centers with the latest computer hardware and software. Assistance from the Birmingham HUD office is one of the most important assets the ANNC has, and we thank the Director and all of her staff for selecting us for this contribution."

Closing session - SAHMA members get the news that HUD is donating excess computers and a printer to the Alabama Neighborhood Networks Consortium.

The ANNC was among the first consortia of Neighborhood Networks to be formed in the country. Their purpose is to increase the ability of the local Network Centers to access large corporate donors who have been active in "bridging the digital divide". Donors such as Dell and Microsoft have given free computers and software. The ANNC was also able write a proposal for and get a VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) volunteer from the Corporation for National Service. Other consortia have been formed in Washington and other states.

At the same meeting, a HUD-organized Energy Workshop drew nearly 100 participants. Karen Clifton, from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Energy Division, talked about how to incorporate Energy Star products into multifamily projects. ADECA receives HUD and Department of Energy funds for its work in promoting the DOE/EPA program. Maxie Walls, from the HUD Birmingham Field Office's Multifamily Program Center, spoke about the advantages to multifamily managers of pursuing an Energy Conservation strategy.

Birmingham Field Office Director announces HUD's donation of excess computers and a color printer to the Alabama Neighborhood Networks Consortium.

SAHMA, which represents management companies of HUD's subsidized multifamily properties, is an important industry partner. SAHMA educates its members on HUD initiatives and advises HUD about issues facing the industry.