City of Atlanta Mayor Reed Launches the Atlanta ConnectHome Program

HUD SE Deputy Regional Administrator Taylor congratulating the City of Atlanta.

City of Atlanta Mayor Reed announcing the launch of ConnectHome Atlanta

City of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed along with HUD SE Deputy Regional Administrator Willie C. Taylor recently announced the launch the Atlanta ConnectHome(http://connecthome.hud.gov/) pilot program. The White House and HUD initiative is designed to help bridge the digital divide for low-income families and school-age children in the City of Atlanta offering them broadband high-speed internet services and internet enabled devices to improve their learning experience and life outcomes. In addition to Mayor Reed and HUD SE Deputy Regional Administrator Taylor there were senior leaders of the Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA), Atlanta Public Schools (APS), and local business and community leaders and stakeholders at the Center of Hope at Dunbar Recreation Center in Southwest Atlanta.

"We are excited and honored to be selected to participate in the ConnectHome Initiative," said Mayor Reed. "The Internet is an indispensable tool for accessing educational resources, employment opportunities, health care services, and so much more. Our families and children who now have the opportunity to participate in the ConnectHome program will realize that high-speed broadband is not a luxury, it's a necessity."

The City of Atlanta is one of 27 U.S. cities and one tribal nation chosen by the White House (https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/connect-america) and HUD to participate in the ConnectHome pilot program. The Obama Administration announced the program in July 2015, and will initially provide over 275,000 households and nearly 200,000 children, with the support they need to access the Internet at home.

"The City of Atlanta is to be congratulated for its exemplary work with HUD and the Obama Administration's ConnectHome program," said Taylor, HUD SE Deputy Regional Administrator. "The ConnectHome program will provide children and families living in HUD-assisted housing access to broadband Internet technology to complete schoolwork online, to apply for college and jobs from their home and to consequently have an opportunity for a better life."

Over 100 families received at the conclusion of the announcement computer devices, free internet service, and will receive digital literacy training which will include families having access to educational resources as well as job training.

"We are excited to work with the Mayor to provide Internet access to our families," said Joy Fitzgerald, President and CEO of the Atlanta Housing Authority. "Access to technology and the Internet put our parents and students on an equal footing, ultimately leading to enriched educational experiences and job opportunities. Digital literacy is the stepping stone for our families to achieve their dreams."

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