SENIORS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, AND HUD CELEBRATE THE DEDICATION
OF TWO NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS COMPUTER CENTERS IN SEATTLE

SEATTLE, WA - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will celebrate the opening of new Neighborhood Network Centers on Friday, September 8, 2006 at Providence Gamelin House and Providence Elizabeth House.

L-R: Gamelin House Housing Director Mary Anne Grafton; HUD Multifamily Program Center Director Mark A. Flynn; Providence Health System Director Diane Groeschell

The Neighborhood Network Centers, part of a HUD-sponsored initiative, provide an
on-site computer and learning center for the residents and community. The
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.

Seventy-seven residents, primarily seniors, call Gamelin House home and 74 residents primarily seniors, live at Elizabeth House. Both provide safe, affordable housing and supportive services, and with the addition of Neighborhood Networks, bring 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 both Gamelin House and Elizabeth House and provides rental assistance for its residents.

These Neighborhood Networks Computer Centers are two of over 1000 centers that have opened up nationwide. There are 700 more Neighborhood Networks in the planning stages.

L-R: Providence Health System Director Diane Groeschell; HUD Multifamily Program Center Director Mark A. Flynn; Elizabeth House Housing Director Therese Jensen

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.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information about the dedications, contact Diane Groeschell at (206) 464-4234. Media Invited - Good Photo Opportunities!