ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA), the digital inclusion branch of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), recently announced the expansion of their programming across 36 states and four tribal nations. 

In April, Community Tech Network (CTN) was identified as a partner stakeholder of ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA), the digital inclusion initiative of HUD. CTN has volunteered to take the lead on a Digital Equity Act Competitive funding proposal that seeks to benefit all CHUSA and non-CHUSA community sites, housing partners, and housing adjacent service providers nationwide. Our proposal has been designed to directly support CHUSA and other housing partners in meeting their Tier 1-3 digital inclusion goals. It will assist all non-CHUSA sites in building strong digital literacy programming in their communities.

• Support that Partners Would Receive from CTN:
  • Devices: to provide to community members at NO COST
  • Training for staff and volunteers: to prepare them to teach digital skills to residents
  • Curriculum: Lesson plans and student workbooks available in multiple languages and compatible with any device
  • Resources and Tools: including needs assessments, data collection/evaluation, and more
• Eligibility: Open to all housing authorities, city housing agencies, and nonprofit housing partners.
• Deadline: CTN must submit its proposal by September 23, with plans to file ahead of this date. We aim to identify all partners by September 1.
• Next Steps: Fill out this Interest Form! A member of our team will reach out with more information.

INTEREST FORM

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: MHP SALUD

MHP Salud, a health-focused nonprofit, promotes well-being through a model centered around Community Health Workers, or CHWs. These workers deliver essential health information and facilitate access to vital health services and benefits within their own communities.

As part of a partnership with Community Tech Network, CHWs in Maverick County and Rio Grande (Texas) were trained as digital navigators, so they can also help community members get online.

Catherine Diaz, a Program Manager at MHP Salud, talks about one of these navigators, saying,

“People have been asking for her. To start, she’s been helping people create email addresses and get familiar with their phones. Since the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended, she’s also been helping people find alternative low-cost home internet options. And at the same time, she continues to help with social needs, such as food insecurity and utility assistance.”

Read more about this initiative with MHP Salud.

• Online Course for Individuals: Want to become a certified digital navigator yourself? Elevate your career with CTN! Our online digital navigator training course is completely self-paced (do it at a time that works for you!) and was developed by a team of digital equity experts with over 16 years of experience in the field. Learn more to sign up.
• Group Packages: If you work for an organization, we also have group packages available! We can train various members of your team to become digital navigators, while also providing additional resources and personalized advice. Read more about our packages.

Not sure if you want to dive in just yet? Check out our FREE overview course, which teaches the basics of being a digital navigator and explains their role and responsibilities in a community.

On August 29 at 11:00 AM PDT, CTN will host its next Lunch & Learn webinar. This month’s topic: Digital Inclusion and College Students.

It’s a common misconception that all young people are adept at using technology and have easy access to the internet. In reality, the digital divide significantly impacts many young folks, particularly those from lower-income families, rural areas, or underserved communities.

Join us to learn about challenges and best practices. Hear from college students and practitioners and enter for a chance to win a free enrollment in one of our online courses.

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR