The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that Secretary Marcia L. Fudge will provide remarks at the 2023 ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) Virtual Summit for CHUSA communities, Public Housing Agencies (PHAs), Tribes/Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs), Multifamily housing providers, public-private stakeholders, and anyone interested in promoting digital inclusion in their community, October 24 – 26, 2023. The 3-day virtual summit features training webinars, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities for interested parties to promote digital inclusion for American families. In addition, the sessions will provide information and tips to help communities tap into resources for affordable devices, connectivity, and training. FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks will also provide remarks. Interested parties can register here.
To build on Secretary Marcia L. Fudge’s commitment to advance digital equity and ensure families are connected to affordable internet, HUD aims to build awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program and the nation’s largest broadband affordability program that offers low-income households discounts off the cost of broadband service and connected devices.
HUD-assisted residents are eligible to enroll based on their housing assistance. To learn more and enroll, visit www.GetInternet.gov or call (877) 384-2575 to request a paper application.
“High-speed home internet allows American families to send their children to school and access healthcare, job training, critical government services, and work remotely,” said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “HUD is committed to closing the broadband affordability gap so that every HUD-assisted resident has equal access to opportunities. We encourage PHAs and stakeholders to do all that they can do to enroll more families and individuals into the Affordable Connectivity Program.”
“The FCC and HUD are working together to make it easier for millions of eligible HUD households to get access to broadband, which is necessary to participate in the 21st century,” said FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. “It’s an honor to again join Secretary Fudge to highlight the Affordable Connectivity Program. I thank her for her leadership as we expand broadband to every American, including HUD households in rural, urban, suburban, and Tribal communities across the country.”
Earlier this summer, HUD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FCC, to encourage enrollment in the ACP for HUD-assisted families. In 2023, HUD has helped organize and facilitate over 45 ACP enrollment events with community partners across the United States. Last week, HUD released a notice in the Federal Register expanding the Connect HomeUSA initiative.