HUD, Congress Work to Bridge Digital Divide in Affordable Housing
On Oct. 18th, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced an expansion and restructuring of the agency’s ConnectHome USA (CHUSA) initiative, which aims to support affordable housing properties in bridging the digital divide.
LeadingAge National had previously sent a letter to HUD urging the agency to “make every effort to expand internet capacity across the portfolio for the benefit of both projects and residents,” including by expanding the ConnectHome program. The expansion marks the first time since 2020 that HUD is accepting new properties into the program and the first time that the agency is explicitly recruiting properties in its multifamily housing programs, like Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly.
HUD intends to accept between 50 and 100 new properties into the program for a three-year commitment and will accept letters of intent from properties starting in mid-December and until Feb. 15, 2024. Participating properties will have access to third-party technical assistance as well as HUD-provided training and education opportunities.
Additionally, on Oct. 19th, more than 30 U.S. Senators sent a letter to Senate leaders urging an extension of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), strongly supported by LeadingAge as a means of bridging the digital divide in affordable senior housing. The ACP offers a discount on monthly internet service to qualifying households, including households receiving federal rental assistance.
Led by Senator Jackie Rosen (D-NV), the letter urges full funding for the ACP, which, the letter states, will be depleted in “a few short months” without congressional intervention.
Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866