HUD awards NYCHA $400,000

HUD ANNOUNCES $400,000 IN GRANTS TO THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY

Funding to provide greater computer access for city’s public housing residents

NEW YORK - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) $400,000 in grants today that will give local public housing residents greater access to computer technology. The funding is from HUD's Public Housing Neighborhood Networks Program.

"These grants provide the tools public housing residents need on their way to self-sufficiency," said HUD Assistant Secretary Michael Liu, who presented the funding to NYCHA General Manager Douglas Apple. "The computer centers these grants create or enhance give residents computer access, which encourages job-training that leads to employment."

Housing authorities use Neighborhood Networks funding to establish, expand or update community technology centers. Neighborhood Networks centers provide access to computers, computer training and the Internet. NN centers can also provide a range of services to help residents achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. PHAs may also use the funding to hire staff to manage center activities, purchase equipment, and provide computer, literacy and job training.

NYCHA plans to provide support services to 600 eligible public housing residents. The grant will provide access to computers and technology-based educational activities for guidance and preparatory programming for post secondary education, literacy training, GED preparation, computer preparatory courses, goal setting, life skills and job training. NYCHA also plans to partner with the Future Kids agency.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. ###

HUD No. 05-048 Donna White (202) 708-0685 SOURCE: hud.gov/ For Release Friday April 15, 2005