December 19, 2023

HUD: ConnectHomeUSA Initiative Expanded, Closing the Digital Gap for Families

ConnectHomeUSA seeks to support additional HUD assisted communities in getting affordable internet access

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is announcing the opening of a new round of applications for the expansion of the ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) initiative so that more HUD-assisted families have access to affordable internet.

CHUSA is HUD’s signature digital inclusion program that assists Public Housing Authorities, Tribes, and Multifamily housing providers build programs that help their residents connect to affordable internet service and computer devices, while also providing them with digital skills training. CHUSA was launched in 2015 to close the homework gap in twenty-eight pilot communities. Since that time, 100 communities have participated in the initiative, which is widely recognized by practitioners as an effective strategy for closing the digital divide.

“HUD is committed to ensuring families and their children have access to affordable and reliable internet,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “The ConnectHomeUSA Initiative helps to bridge the digital gap so that families have equitable access to broadband resources so that they can succeed.”

Under the CHUSA expansion, HUD seeks to serve new communities from urban, rural, and Tribal locations while continuing to support existing CHUSA communities.

Application Information:
Communities interested in applying should send a Letter of Intent that responds to the requirements outlined in the Federal Register Notice to CHUSA_applications@hud.gov.
HUD is accepting applications from December 19th, 2023, until February 15th, 2024.

Additional Information for Applicants:
On January 11th, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. CHUSA staff will host a webinar on the expansion and application process. Register for the webinar here.

For more information, please visit www.hud.gov/connecthomeusa. Questions about the ConnectHomeUSA expansion can be directed to: ConnectHome@hud.gov.

This post was originally published here.