SENIORS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, AND HUD CELEBRATE THE DEDICATION
OF A NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS COMPUTER CENTER IN VANCOUVER

VANCOUVER, WA - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will celebrate the opening of a
new Neighborhood Network Center at Walnut Grove Apartments, located at 7213 NE 58th Street in Vancouver on
July 31, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.

Walnut Grove's Neighborhood Network, part of a HUD-sponsored initiative, provides an on-site computer and
learning center for the residents and community. Walnut Grove's computer center is a community-based program, used to provide residents with technology resources to further their ability to achieve better paying employment, have access to family and loved ones and enjoy the use of computers and the Internet.

Sheryldene Rogers, Consultant and Renee' Greenman, HUD Multifamily Housing Director Visitors at the Center dedication

Approximately 65 residents, primarily seniors, call Walnut Grove home. Walnut Grove provides safe, affordable housing and supportive services, and with the addition of Neighborhood Networks, brings services and community connections directly to the resident's home. HUD's Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly grant program helped fund construction of Walnut Grove and provides rental assistance for its residents.

This year will mark the Sixth Annual Neighborhood Network Week sponsored by HUD. The theme for the celebration, which runs from July 31st through August 5th, is "Uniting Neighbors, Strengthening Communities."

Walnut Grove's Neighborhood Networks Computer Center is one of over 1000 centers that have opened up nationwide. There are 700 more Neighborhood Networks in the planning stages.

To learn more about Neighborhood Networks in Washington, visit. www.hud.gov/local/shared/working/r10/mf/neighbornet.cfm?state=wa

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, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet
and espanol.hud.gov.

###

Editor's Note: For more information about the dedication or Walnut Grove, contact Karen Heppler at
(509) 979-8667.