HUD News

 The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the expansion of the ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) initiative via a notice in the federal register published today. Since 2020, this is the first time HUD has been accepting new communities into the initiative working with the Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), Multifamily Housing Providers, and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs). CHUSA is acknowledged by experts in digital inclusion as a successful strategy for bridging the digital gap in HUD-supported communities. The main purpose of the initiative is to close the homework gap in twenty-eight pilot communities. 

The CHUSA initiative will spotlight its expansion at a 3-day virtual summit from October 24 – 26, 2023, intended for ConnectHomeUSA communities, PHAs, TDHEs, stakeholders, and those keen on promoting digital inclusion. Registration is available for interested participants.

This expansion is built on Marcia L. Fudge’s commitment to advance digital equity and ensure that families are connected to affordable internet. HUD signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for HUD-assisted families. HUD also organized and facilitated 45 ACP enrollment events with community partners across the state in 2023. The ACP is the nation’s largest affordability program offering discounts to low-income households. HUD-assisted residents can enroll depending on their housing assistance. 

HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said, “When communities, especially low-income communities, lack adequate access to broadband internet, they face barriers to economic and educational opportunities. ConnectHomeUSA allows us to bridge those barriers and ensure people in HUD-assisted housing can get and stay connected. Today’s announcement is a major step towards advancing digital opportunities for people who receive HUD assistance. We look forward to receiving public comment on the expansion and restructuring of ConnectHomeUSA, and we encourage PHAs to do all they can to enroll more families and individuals into the Affordable Connectivity Program.”

The two parts of the Connect Home expansion include a 60-day public comment section asking the reviewers to comment on HUD’s proposed redesign and instructions for submitting the letter of intent to be considered as CHUSA. 

There are three tiers for communities of Interest under the current redesign. Tier-1 communities include communities that are familiar with the concepts of digital equity. HUD is planning to accept 50-100 communities in this tier. Tier-2 communities include the CHUSA Communities. At this moment, Tier 3 communities will not be considered. Tier 3 will be set aside for communities that reach specific milestones in their CHUSA journey.