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On Friday, February 12 local nonprofits, service agencies, churches, and government agencies will come together at the Buck Melton Center (150 Sessions Drive) from 12:00-1:30 p.m. for the 2nd ConnectHome Partners & Stakeholders Convening. During that time, they will hear an update on Macon-Bibb’s participation in President Barack Obama’s ConnectHome initiative and how they can assist. A report of the ongoing efforts, present challenges discovered, possible solutions to those challenges, and additional ways to reach people in the community will be discussed.
In Macon-Bibb, Cox Communications offers qualified families of MBCHA public housing developments high-speed home Internet at $9.95 per month as part of its Connect2Compete program, which was successfully implemented several years ago. Cox is also partnering with the national digital inclusion nonprofit EveryoneOn to offer new Connect2Compete customers $30 tablet devices with keyboards, educational content, and wireless routers. Additionally, Quality Computers offers refurbished tablets, laptops, printers, and more at very affordable rates. Several organizations and churches have pledged to raise the funds to purchase computer devices for the people they work with to make it easier for them to access the program.
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About ConnectHome
In July, HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr., Macon-Bibb County Housing Authority CEO June Parker, and Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert joined community and civic leaders to announce Macon-Bibb’s selection to President Barack Obama’s ConnectHome initiative, which is an effort to provide families living in HUD-assisted housing access to high speed broadband. Through ConnectHome, Internet Service Providers, non-profits, and the private sector will offer broadband access, technical training, digital literacy programs, and devices for residents in assisted housing units in 28 communities across the nation.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) selected Macon and 27 other communities through a competitive process that took into account local commitment to expanding broadband opportunities; presence of place-based programs; and other factors to ensure all are well-positioned to deliver on ConnectHome.
“By connecting local HUD assisted housing families and students to high-speed internet, we help expand their ability to access educational tools, health care services, employment opportunities, and resources to apply for college and financial-aid,” said Jennings. “This is all about providing opportunity and hope for the future of America.”
“We are moving more and more towards a time when having high-speed access to the internet will be vital to the success and sustainability of our communities,” says Mayor Reichert. “Already more and more college and job applications are being done online, and we must provide our children the tools to access them. I commend the school district for making it available in the classrooms, and now we must work with our partners to make it available at home.”
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