Neighborhood Networks
The Neighborhood Networks program was created in 1995 as a community-based initiative to establish multiservice community technology centers in public housing communities. Community technology centers “bring digital opportunity and lifelong learning to residents of insured and assisted housing.” Each center is tailor-made to fit the needs of the local public housing community that it serves. Adults, children and seniors are welcome to participate at the centers, and thus centers can focus on providing services to the family unit. This program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Funding: The program relies on community support for development through grants, loans, volunteer services and in-kind donations. HUD does not fund community technology centers directly. However, establishing a center with Residential Opportunity and Self Sufficiency funds is an allowable use. All HUD insured and assisted projects are eligible, including Section 8 housing. Centers serving American Indian families can operate under HOPE IV, overseen by HUD’s Office of Native American Programs.
Use of Funds: To fulfill their mission, the centers funded under this program provide public housing residents access to job opportunities, social services, micro-enterprise possibilities and education programs.
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