ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced 97 communities as participants in the ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) initiative, which aims to improve access to affordable internet, affordable devices, and digital skills training.

According to a release from HUD, the initiative selected communities based on their ‘demonstrated commitment to bridging the digital divide for HUD-assisted residents.’

In Missouri, the city of Kansas City’s Health Department and non-profit consulting group, Urban Strategies Inc., which works with the St. Louis Choice Neighborhood Initiative project near Preservation Square – were selected to be a part of HUD’s newest digital connectivity cohort.

This phase of ConnectHomeUSA has expanded its reach to include HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grantees.

“Everyone needs access to the Internet and other digital tools, but some families cannot afford the quality access needed for work or school,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “ConnectHomeUSA seeks to bring the affordable digital access and equipment people need to get things done. We are narrowing the digital divide and empowering communities with equitable economic and educational outcomes.”

HUD says this is the first time since 2020 that it has accepted new communities into the initiative.

Of the total number of communities accepted, 59 are joining the Tier 1 cohort, which consists of communities that are just beginning to address the digital divide. The program has also accepted 38 communities in the Tier 2 cohort, reserved for returning ConnectHomeUSA communities that have demonstrated a commitment to deepening their work.

To see a list of CHUSA Sites, click here.

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