HUD AWARDS $400,000 IN GRANTS TO THE ORLANDO HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE DAYTONA BEACH HOUSING AUTHORITY TO CREATE COMMUNITY COMPUTER CENTERS

ORLANDO - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded a $200,000 grant to the
Orlando Housing Authority and a $200,000 grant to the Daytona Beach Housing Authority to create new
Neighborhood Networks computer centers.

"Today computer knowledge is essential," said HUD Assistant Secretary Michael Liu. "When our public housing communities bring computer technology to neighborhoods it opens countless opportunities for residents in the new development and the surrounding community."

As part of the revitalization of the Carver Court Development (OHA) and Bethune Village and Halifax Park Developments (DBHA), the Orlando Housing Authority and the Daytona Beach Housing Authority received this additional funding to give public housing residents computer access. Neighborhood Networks centers make it easier
for residents to obtain information on jobs, educational opportunities, as well as information on healthcare, nutrition and other social services, while gaining valuable computer skills.

The Orlando Housing Authority and the Daytona Beach Housing Authority are among the 25 public housing
authorities receiving this funding that totaled $5 million. The funding can be used to construct the computer
centers; buy computer and information technology hardware; hire staff; and develop programs and systems that
will assists public housing residents with employment, educational activities and life-skills activities.

Since 1995, Neighborhood Networks centers have provided computer and Internet access to insured and assisted housing residents and offer a full range of supportive services. There are currently more than 1,100 Neighborhood Networks centers throughout the U.S., the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Public housing authorities that were awarded 2002 HOPE VI Revitalization Grants were required to build Neighborhood Networks centers as part of their revitalization plan.

HUD's HBCU Program is one of several initiatives administered by its Office of University Partnerships (OUP). Established in 1994, OUP is a catalyst for partnering colleges and universities with their communities in a shared search for answers to pressing urban problems. HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also
promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More
information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet.

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