HUD AWARDS A $200,000 GRANT TO THE LOUISVILLE METRO HOUSING AUTHORITY TO CREATE AND ENHANCE A COMMUNITY COMPUTER CENTER

LOUISVILLE - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded a $200,000 grant to the Louisville Metro Housing Authority to create one new and enhance two existing 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 Clarkdale Housing Development the Louisville Metro 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 Louisville Metro Housing Authority is 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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