Housing

Leadership for Digital Transformation

Objective: Advisory Board for Digital Inclusive Housing

Form a state-level digital advisory board for housing that includes representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Public Housing Authority (PHA), diverse housing communities (including rural, Tribal, and owners of Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs)) and technical experts to provide guidance on housing technology needs and policies. (Connect Home USA Vol.2 2022)

Requirements

• Assess technology needs and adopt proven solutions for affordable and subsidized housing communities (CHUSA ConnectHome Playbook).
• Analyze existing and develop new technology policies for housing using the strategic priorities guide.

Metrics

• Development of policy recommendations addressing technology needs and digital inclusion in housing communities that align with the state’s Digital Equity Plan
• Improvement in technology access and digital inclusion for education and workforce

Digital Ecosystem

Objective: Broadband Infrastructure in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs)

Install or improve existing broadband infrastructure in MDUs such as apartment buildings, all affordable/subsidized housing, and rural communities to provide high-speed internet access.

Requirements

• Leverage Public-Private Partnerships to identify priority buildings, estimate budgets, and develop a statewide implementation program.
• Leverage Public-Private Partnerships to develop plans for installation of high-speed internet infrastructure in all MDUs.

Metrics

• Successful implementation of high-speed internet infrastructure in all MDUs, affordable/subsidized housing, and rural communities (Connect Home USA Vol.2 2022)
• Positive feedback from residents about the impact of improved digital access on their educational and employment opportunities, and access to telehealth and other social services available online

Objective: Free or Low-Cost Internet for Families in Affordable Housing

Provide funding for the adoption of free or low-cost WiFi and wireless internet programs for residential developers and landlords of affordable/subsidized housing and rural communities (Chen, W., &Li, X. 2021).

Requirements

• Leverage Public-Private Partnerships to offer free installation of WiFi and wireless infrastructure in affordable/subsidized MDUs and rural housing.
• Offer grant funds and tax incentives for affordable housing organizations that include high-speed internet as a standard amenity.

Metrics

• Increased enrollment rates of new users in the broadband programs
• Increased utilization rates of the provided broadband services for educational and workforce participation

Consistent Access to Devices and Connectivity

Objective: State-Sponsored Digital Resource Centers/Hubs

Establish conveniently placed digital resource centers and hubs (or computer labs) within affordable housing communities and government-run locations such as libraries to provide residents with free and easy access to technology and tools.

Requirements

• Involve residents in assessment of affordable/subsidized MDUs’ need for a digital resource center.
• Leverage Private-Public Partnerships to establish and implement a sustainable model for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the digital resource centers.
• Allocate trained Digital Navigators to each digital resource center to offer year-round training and technology support for learners.

Metrics

• Successful establishment and sustaining of digital resource centers in targeted affordable housing communities
• Increased opportunities for residents to engage in online education, job searches, and other digital activities
• Measurable improvements in residents’ digital competency and technology skills

Objective: Broadband-Ready Housing Certification

Develop a certification for housing developments that meet high standards of broadband connectivity. (Sean Gonsalves 2022)

Requirements

• Establish or adopt standards for broadband connectivity in housing developments, especially affordable and subsidized housing.
• Create a robust certification process with expedited permitting to encourage developers to include high-speed internet as part of their construction plans.

Metrics

• Successful development and launch of a Broadband-Ready Housing Certification program
• Increased number of housing developments incorporating high-speed internet as a result of the certification

Digital Competency

Objective: Digital Competency Programs

Implement digital fluency and internet safety programs within community centers located in affordable/low-income housing areas, public libraries, places of worship (i.e., churches) and schools in order to empower families to make the most of their connectivity.

Requirements

• Adopt educational content tailored to diverse community needs, including adult education.
• Allocate Digital Navigators to provide training in a variety of languages and modalities to accommodate the varying needs of learners (The Digital Navigator Model 2024).

Metrics

• Increased engagement in educational, workforce, and personal development opportunities for learners at all levels.

Objective: Digital Navigator Programs

Offer grants for the adoption or expansion of the Digital Navigator model within community-based organizations, affordable housing developments, and rural communities. This will provide critical support for individuals as they navigate affordable internet services, new digital devices, and digital skills training for full participation in modern society, education, employment, healthcare, and social services.

Requirements

• Engage the local communities to identify unique community needs and tailor Digital Navigator services accordingly.
• Provide guidance for community-based organizations, affordable housing staff, and rural communities to establish clear roles and responsibilities for Digital Navigators.
• Leverage Private-Public Partnerships to establish a support network for Digital Navigators, including initial comprehensive training and ongoing professional development and access to resources.

Metrics

• Increase in the adoption rate of affordable internet services and digital devices, especially for low-income households
• Improvement in digital skills and resilience and among service users through pre- and post-service evaluations

Technology for Accessibility & Inclusion

Objective: Accessible Technology Grants

Offer grants or subsidies to homeowners and landlords for installing accessible technology devices and modifications in residential properties. This can include smart home automation systems, emergency alert systems, and environmental control units.

Requirements

• Evaluate and select appropriate accessible technologies for various at-home needs.
• Develop and launch an evergreen accessible technology grant program to ensure ongoing access to accessible technology devices.
• Implement outreach programs to inform homeowners, landlords, and the broader community about the availability of the grants and the benefits of accessible technologies.

Metrics

• Measurable improvements in accessibility, safety, and quality of life for residents benefiting from the accessible technology installations
• Reduction in emergency incidents in homes equipped with emergency alert systems and other safety technologies

Objective: Housing Technology Accessibility Certification

Develop a certification for housing development that supports assistive technology for students and their families (Skinner, B. T., Levy, H., & Burtch, T., 2023), (Skinner, B., Burtch, T., & Levy, H. 2024).

Requirements

• Set and evaluate standards for accessible technology in residential settings.
• Establish an efficient and reliable system to expedite permits for new developments and reconstruction projects that incorporate broadband infrastructure and free WiFi in their construction plans.

Metrics

• Successful development and launch of the Housing Technology Accessibility Certification program
• Measurable improvements in accessibility and support for educational needs in certified housing developments