HUD TO HOST NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS REGIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WORKSHOPS ON EAST, WEST COASTS
Sessions at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Planned

Sponsored by HUD's Office of Multifamily Housing Programs, the workshops, "Uniting Neighbors, Strengthening Communities," are planned for April 5-7 in San Diego and June 21-23 in Boston. The workshops will provide stakeholders - including Neighborhood Networks center staff, property owners and managers, volunteers, partners and HUD staff - with valuable guidance, tools, and information.

In San Diego, the RTAW at the Hyatt Regency Islandia Hotel will focus on fundraising, program planning, partnership building, resident involvement, staffing, youth development, microenterprise development and other key topics of interest to Neighborhood Networks stakeholders. Participants will create a customized toolkit during the workshop. The tool kit will include sample resident surveys, fundraising plans, program curricula, completed 501(c)(3) tax-exemption forms and asset maps.

In Boston, the RTAW will cover more advanced topics for Neighborhood Networks sustainability and growth. The morning sessions at the Radisson Hotel Boston will focus on fundraising, program planning, partnership building, volunteer recruitment, and Web site development.

Afternoon sessions at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are sponsored by the Massachusetts regional consortium, MassIMPACT, and the Neighborhood Networks National Consortium. Workshop sessions include community resource mapping, new trends in wireless access, digital storytelling, technology for persons with disabilities, and using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) aimed at helping residents move toward self-sufficiency.

HUD created Neighborhood Networks in 1995 to encourage property owners to establish community learning centers in HUD insured and assisted properties. Neighborhood Networks was one of the first federal initiatives to promote self-sufficiency and help provide computer access to low-income housing communities. Today, more than 1,200 Neighborhood Networks centers are in operation across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Since its inception, Neighborhood Networks has been at the forefront of delivering technology access to America's communities. Adults have launched careers, started small businesses, and improved their incomes after completing training at Neighborhood Networks centers. Families have become homeowners. Children have improved their grades, earned scholarships and enriched their lives. Seniors have learned new skills, secured jobs, and engaged in community activities.

To learn more about the RTAWs visit the Neighborhood Networks Website.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, and people with disabilities. 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.