Linda
H. Allen (404) 331-5001 ext. 2012 |
For
Release Tuesday October 7, 2003 |
HUD AWARDS $400,000 IN GRANTS TO TWO GEORGIA HOUSING AUTHORITIES
Fulton County Housing Authority and Columbus Housing Authority to
create
a community computer center
ATLANTA - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded a $200,000 grant to the Fulton County Housing Authority (FCHA) and a $200,000 grant to the Columbus Housing Authority (CHA) to create a new Neighborhood Networks computer center.
"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 Fulton County Housing Authority (FCHA)
and the Columbus Housing Authority
(CHA), the FCHA and the CHA 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 FCHA and the CHA 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 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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