City of Rocky Mount's Designated ConnectHomeUSA Program

Recently Rocky Mount, North Carolina was designated as a Connect Home Community. ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) (https://connecthomeusa.org/) is a coordinated effort to bridge the digital divide for HUD-assisted housing residents under the leadership of EveryoneOn. This initiative leverages HUD's overall mission of creating strong, sustainable, and inclusive communities. Lowering the digital divide promotes self-empowerment as well as facilitates the access to free or low-cost broadband access, devices, and digital literacy training.

"HUD commends the City of Rocky Mount for their outstanding efforts to bridge the digital divide in their community. Bridging the digital divide will open up tremendous opportunities for those seeking jobs and for those who want to expand their education and literacy," said Greensboro Field Office Field Director, Roosevelt A. Grant.

The City of Rocky Mount is providing wifi in their community buildings and common areas, which will be available externally and will eventually include kiosks and pop-up devices. They have received commitments from the school system (Nash County and Edgecombe County) that any child that needs a digital device will receive one. The City's vision for reducing the digital divide includes a focus on education, telehealth, and job-seeking.

###