According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the department is expanding its ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) initiative for the first time since 2020.
The program aims to bridge the digital divide and improve digital access for residents living in HUD-assisted areas. HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge emphasized the importance of the program's expansion, stating, "Lack of broadband access inhibits economic and educational development, and ConnectHomeUSA aims to bridge these gaps."
The expansion of the ConnectHomeUSA initiative was announced through a notice in the Federal Register published today. As part of the expansion, HUD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this summer. The MOU aims to boost enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the nation's largest program for broadband affordability. HUD has already facilitated more than 45 ACP enrollment events throughout the U.S. in 2023.
In addition to the expansion, HUD also announced an upcoming 3-day virtual summit designed to engage CHUSA communities, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs), and other key stakeholders in discussions about digital inclusion. The summit is scheduled to take place from October 24-26, 2023.
The expanded ConnectHomeUSA initiative will have two primary components. The first is a 60-day public comment period for a proposed redesign of CHUSA into a three-tiered system. The redesign aims to include 50-100 new communities interested in but unfamiliar with digital inclusion in the first tier. The second tier will comprise existing CHUSA communities, while the third tier is reserved for communities that achieve specific digital inclusion benchmarks. The second component is an invitation for communities to submit letters of intent to participate in CHUSA.
As the digital divide continues to persist, initiatives like ConnectHomeUSA play a crucial role in bridging the gap and ensuring that all individuals have access to digital opportunities. With the expansion of the program, more communities will have the chance to improve digital access and unlock economic and educational development.
