HUD TO OBSERVE NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS WEEK AUGUST 2-7
15th anniversary theme: "A Successful Past, A Promising Future"

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today Neighborhood Networks Week 2010 will be held August 2-7 with the theme, "A Successful Past, A Promising Future." The week-long observance is intended to raise public awareness about Neighborhood Networks, an education and technology-based initiative designed to improve the lives of residents living in HUD-assisted housing.

"For 15 years, Neighborhood Networks has helped thousands of individuals on their path toward self sufficiency," said Carol J. Galante, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs. "We hope every Neighborhood Networks center across the country will take some time during this week to recognize the vital role they play in the lives of so many residents living in their community."

Today, Neighborhood Networks has grown into 1,500 learning centers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These centers provide residents of HUD Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured and-assisted properties with access to technology so that they can achieve greater self-sufficiency and professional, academic, and personal success.

What's in Store for Neighborhood Networks Week 2010?

During Neighborhood Networks Week 2010, hundreds of centers across the country will observe one of the three Neighborhood Networks Week Special Event Days, including:

• Do It for You Day, which focuses on how centers are helping residents achieve greater self-sufficiency. Events may include job fairs, resume-writing workshops, and graduation ceremonies. This year, "Do It for You Day" will be observed on Tuesday, August 3.
  
  
• Get Connected Day, which highlights the many ways centers deliver technology access and enhance residents' technological skills, as well as showcases the critical role technology plays in today's society. Events may include computer lab tours, Internet use workshops, and online scavenger hunts. This year, "Get Connected Day" will be observed on Wednesday, August 4.
  
  
• Know Your Neighbors Day, which focuses on building the bonds of neighbors to build stronger communities. Events may include center-hosted block parties, potlucks, barbecues, festivals, or open houses. This year, "Know Your Neighbors Day" will be observed on Thursday, August 5.

To compliment these events, HUD will sponsor Web-based events through its Neighborhood Networks website enabling more centers to participate in Neighborhood Networks Week. For more information on Neighborhood Networks Week 2010 and instructions on how to participate in virtual events, visit the Neighborhood Networks Web site at www.NeighborhoodNetworks.org or call the Neighborhood Networks Information Center. The hearing impaired may access the number via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

About Neighborhood Networks

HUD's Office of Multifamily Housing Programs created Neighborhood Networks in September 1995. The community-based Initiative was one of the first federal initiatives to promote self-sufficiency for low- and moderate-income persons. Through Neighborhood Networks, HUD encourages property owners and managers of FHA-insured and -assisted housing to establish and maintain onsite Neighborhood Networks centers. HUD's intent is to increase residents' self-sufficiency by delivering computer access and a variety of workforce development programs. Today, 15 years later, Neighborhood Networks continues to have a positive and lasting impact on families and communities across the country.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.