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Delivering Technology Access to America's Communities

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Opening a World of Opportunity

Improving computer access. Advancing literacy. Promoting economic independence. Developing a talented workforce. Inspiring lifelong learning. Expanding homeownership. Strengthening communities.

That's the vision behind Neighborhood Networks, a community-based program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Neighborhood Networks began in 1995 as the technology revolution dawned and has become one of the first federal initiatives to promote self-sufficiency and help provide computer access to low-income communities.

Neighborhood Networks started quietly, with a few HUD community technology centers scattered across the country. It expanded rapidly, igniting enthusiasm while building a national presence and impact. Today, in urban centers and rural towns across America, hundreds of Neighborhood Networks centers are putting the power of technology into the hands of the people.

No two Neighborhood Networks centers are exactly alike. Nearly all sponsor job training and educational activities, and many also sponsor programs that include access to healthcare information and services, transportation, and childcare. Many centers have joined or created consortiums; that is, a group of centers that collaborate to maximize resources and funding opportunities.

People Finding Real Opportunities

Thousands of low- to moderate-income individuals and families have landed jobs, increased their income, attended college, moved from welfare to work, and bought homes after completing training at Neighborhood Networks centers.

Working adults develop job skills through job training and education. Youth thrive in an environment that inspires academic achievement. Seniors gain access to health pro-grams and services, computer training, and other activities that help them remain productive and engaged.

The Path to Success

A former welfare recipient in New Orleans had been unemployed for 4 years when she enrolled in computer classes at her local Neighborhood Networks center. With persistence, training, and access to technology, she made great progress, advancing from volunteer to full-time instructor. She later landed a job with the local school system handling computer software programs. This job enabled her to become a first-time homebuyer.

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A Great Return on Investment

Affordable housing owners and managing agents report that Neighborhood Networks centers have significant benefits. Starting a center can:

• Make properties more competitive, which can attract new residents, lower vacancy rates, and stabilize tenancy.
• Decrease security and upkeep costs by giving residents a greater sense of pride and a stronger stake in the overall well-being of the community.
• Help owners and managers build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with residents and the local partners that work with the center.

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Become a Neighborhood Networks Partner

Neighborhood Networks centers are most powerful when they connect with local and national partners. Deepen your commitment to your community by joining the team. As a Neighborhood Networks partner, you can:

• Enrich lives and strengthen communities.
• Train a new workforce that meets local employer needs.
• Open new avenues for community involvement.

Neighborhood Networks needs local and national partners that can:

• Provide financial support.
• Encourage volunteers and mentors to work with centers.
• Furnish computer hardware and software.
• Make in-kind contributions.

Steps for Getting Started

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Several options are available to help you launch a Neighborhood Networks center in your community. You can contact your local HUD Neighborhood Networks coordinator to explore-opening new center, call the Information Center at (888)312-2743, or check out the Neighborhood Networks Web site at www.NeighborhoodNetworks.org.

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Join Us

Join with Neighborhood Networks today. Help improve computer access and create economic and educational opportunities for all Americans.

To find out more, call the HUD Neighborhood Networks Information Center at (888) 312-2743, or visit www.NeighborhoodNetworks.org for the latest information about how you can get involved.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Room 6124
Washington, DC 20410-6000

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