SENIORS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, AND HUD CELEBRATE THE DEDICATION
OF FORT VANCOUVER APARTMENT NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS COMPUTER CENTER

VANCOUVER, WA - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), along with the residents
of the Fort Vancouver Apartments, in cooperation with the property owner, Stephen Whyte, celebrate the
dedication of the Fort Vancouver Apartment's Neighborhood Networks Computer Center.

The Fort Vancouver Neighborhood Networks Computer Center is part of the Neighborhood Networks Initiative sponsored by HUD to provide new economic and community-based opportunities. The initiative encourages owners and managers of HUD assisted housing to create computer learning centers on-site for the residents and
community, with the help of other community partners and resources, both public and private.

This computer center will enable the residents of the 20-unit apartment complex to have access to computers,
e-mail, and the Internet, and the great wealth of information and opportunity that they bring. The Fort Vancouver Center hopes to provide opportunities for:

• Staying in touch with social services, family, and friends
• Enhancing educational opportunities by providing equipment for homework and basic computer training
• Providing greater access and assistance with job searches, resume writing, and employment opportunities
• Staying current with the news of the day

The center will utilize space in a community room. Two new personal computers equipped with state-of-the-art software are already in place, and two additional computers will be donated. An all-in-one Printer/Fax/Scanner networked for all the computers is available. A wheelchair accessible work area is also provided.

The Fort Vancouver Neighborhood Networks Center owes it thanks to the efforts of the owner, Mr. Stephen Whyte, who provided the space, and Outreach Connect, who provided the technical support. In addition, the Assistant Manager K.C. Hyde, and Danielle Hincapie, spent many hours making sure this Neighborhood Networks Center would happen.

Computer literacy is quickly becoming an important requirement of daily living in today's society. Personal computers and computer literacy greatly enhance and facilitate the individual residents' pursuit of economic independence and also provides opportunities for education, socialization, and community information.

Fort Vancouver Apartment's Neighborhood Networks Computer Center is one of over 1000 centers that have
opened nationwide. There are hundreds more in the planning stages throughout the country.

To learn more about Neighborhood Networks visit www.hud.gov/nnw/nnwindex.html.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and 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 and espanol.hud.gov.

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