HUD, SENIORS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS DEDICATE A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS COMPUTER CENTER
Facility will be at Tri Cities Terrace II

RICHLAND, WA - On May 18, Tri Cities Terrace II, Shalom Ecumenical Center, G&B Real Estate Services, Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Tri Cities Terrace II residents, and supporting community groups celebrate the dedication of the Tri Cities Terrace II Neighborhood Networks
Center in Richland.

The event will be held at 1790 Leslie Rd at 1:30 p.m, beginning in the Community Room and then moving to the Computer Center.

This new Neighborhood Networks Center is the 45th center located in a HUD insured and assisted facility in Washington and one of 1000 nationwide. Neighborhood Networks is a HUD sponsored initiative 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.

Tri Cities Terrace II Neighborhood Networks Center is a comprehensive, community-based program to provide educational opportunities for seniors to learn and connect with their community right in their own home. Tri Cities Terrace II, a 40-unit apartment building, which is home to 40 plus residents, primarily seniors, provides safe, affordable housing and supportive services, thereby, allowing seniors to remain at home as long as possible.

Tri Cities Terrace II Neighborhood Networks Center's objectives and focus include:

• Provide senior community members with access to technology and the Internet;
• Provide senior community members with access to local services and health care options;
• Teach basic to advanced computer skills in a non-intimidating environment among peers and provide an opportunity for shared learning and community involvement.

The Tri Cities Terrace II Neighborhood Networks Center is an example of partners working together for the benefits
of the residents and community. Partners include Shalom Ecumenical Center, G&B Real Estate Services, Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Computer Services
International, Neighborhood Networks Technology Access Consortium (NNTAC) and Staples.

Computer literacy is quickly becoming an important requirement of daily living in today's society. It is critical that seniors have a thorough understanding of computers and software in order to communicate with needed services, organizations, doctors, and family members. 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.

For more information about the dedication or Tri Cities Terrace II, please call Karen Heppler, Neighborhood Network Coordinator, at (509) 979-8667.

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