Grants Build Computer Centers for Public Housing

Thousands of residents of public housing will gain access to computers and the Internet, thanks to $10.6 million in grants awarded last week by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The funding now being distributed to 40 public housing authorities comes from HUD's Public Housing Neighborhood Network Program, dedicated to building or expanding community computer centers in public housing developments. Families in public housing can access computers, the Internet and computer training at the centers.

HUD anticipates that the enhanced computer access and training facilitated by the grants will help public housing residents become self-sufficient through financial planning, job training and online job hunting.

"Having access to a computer and the Internet has become an essential part of our lives," said HUD Secretary Steven Preston in a press release. "Whether it's researching homework assignments or polishing a resume, this funding will help open doors to families who don't have access to a computer and build the skills needed in today's job market."

State housing authorities receiving the highest of the 40 grants awarded were New York ($1,250,000), Maryland ($1,149,592) and Illinois ($850,000).

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