HUD Accepts 8 New Communities in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to Participate in the ConnectHomeUSA Initiative and Bridge the Digital Divide for HUD-Assisted Families
ConnectHomeUSA will support HUD-assisted communities by addressing the three key aspects of digital inclusion: providing affordable internet access, offering free/affordable devices, and delivering digital skills training.
SEATTLE – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announces 97 communities that have been selected to participate in the ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) initiative, bringing training and technical assistance to help communities access affordable internet access, affordable devices, and digital skills training. These communities have been selected based on their demonstrated commitment to bridging the digital divide for HUD-assisted residents.
The following entities have been selected in the Northwest:
Idaho
- Nez Perce Tribe
- Boise City Housing Authority
Oregon
- Housing Authority of Clackamas County
- Housing Authority of Lincoln County
- Home Forward
Washington
- Bremerton Housing Authority
- King County Housing Authority
- Seattle Housing Authority
“Everyone needs access to the Internet and other digital tools, but some families cannot afford the quality access needed for work or school,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “ConnectHomeUSA seeks to bring the affordable digital access and equipment people need to get things done. We are narrowing the digital divide and empowering communities with equitable economic and educational outcomes.”
"By expanding ConnectHomeUSA throughout the Northwest, we are taking significant steps to ensure that every HUD-assisted resident has the digital tools necessary to thrive in today's economy," said HUD Northwest Regional Administrator Andrew Lofton. "Our commitment to bridging the digital divide will provide families with the resources they need for educational success, economic opportunities, and overall well-being."
This is the first time since 2020 that HUD has accepted new communities into the initiative. This phase of ConnectHomeUSA has expanded its reach to include not only Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs), and Multifamily housing providers but also HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grantees.
Of the total number of communities accepted, 59 are joining the Tier 1 cohort, which consists of communities that are just beginning to address the digital divide. The program has also accepted 38 communities in the Tier 2 cohort, reserved for returning ConnectHomeUSA communities that have demonstrated a commitment to deepening their work.
ConnectHomeUSA is a pivotal resource and approach to advancing digital inclusion for HUD-assisted communities. When combined, free/affordable internet, free/affordable devices, and digital skills training can significantly reduce barriers to economic and educational opportunities and help create a more equitable future for the residents HUD serves.
To see a full list of CHUSA Sites, click here.
Questions about ConnectHomeUSA can be directed to connecthome@hud.gov.
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