HACP is Awarded 90 Laptops from the COVID-19 ARPA Pennsylvania Digital Connectivity Technology Program

The HACP was recently awarded 90 laptops from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA), an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED).

The devices were awarded through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP), which is part of the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The Digital Connectivity Technology Program aims to increase access to technology devices where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use.

The PBDA announced the awardees of $20,000,000 in devices Thursday, including $270,000 in devices for the HACP.

These devices will give the HACP staff the chance to upgrade existing equipment in our WiFi On Wheels (W.O.W.) CyberBus and Mobile Computer Labs, as well as serve more residents who participate in our many Resident Self-Sufficiency and Family Self-Sufficiency programs, job training and resume building through our Section 3 Resident Employment Program, and students at our Creative Arts Corner studios.

Eight laptops will be used in our Mobile Computer Labs at Allegheny Dwellings, Pressley Street High Rise, and the Bedford EnVision Center; six laptops will be used in our Mobile Computer Labs at Morse Gardens, Carrick Regency, and Finello Pavilion; eight laptops will be used on our W.O.W. CyberBus; eight laptops will be used by students in our Creative Arts Corner Studios - four for the Bedford EnVision Center studio and four for the Northview Heights studio; 20 laptops will be loaned to resident participants within our Resident Self-Sufficiency and Family Self-Sufficiency programs; 20 laptops will be used by residents in our Section 3 Resident Employment Program; and 20 laptops will be designated for our Clinical Coordination Program to be loaned to participants within HACP's Virtual Parenting Class.

The HACP has strived for the last decade to provide our residents with the latest technology in an effort to support them in gaining the skills necessary to find sustainable income, gain financial independence, and educate themselves and their families on the importance of maintaining their health, as well as the importance of a quality education.

"This impactful award from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority will help to further the HACP's efforts in bridging the digital divide within our communities," said HACP Executive Director Caster D. Binion. "These devices will be used to improve self-sufficiency and education opportunities by helping to ensure that all HACP residents have access to the tools needed to succeed."

For more information on our Digital Literacy Initiatives, please visit: https://hacp.org/programs-services/digital-literacy-initiatives/

For more information on our Resident Self-Sufficiency Programs, please visit: https://hacp.org/programs-services/resident-services/

Contact: Michelle Sandidge, HACP, Chief Community Affairs Officer, [email protected]