From the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:
The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA), in partnership with Community Action Akron Summit, is launching a Hotspot Lending Program available to qualifying residents in public housing. This program will provide 1,000 hotspots through a lending library managed by AMHA connecting up to 15 devices within one household. This program will provide free in home high-speed access for the whole family. Because this is a lending program, more than 1,000 low-income residents in Summit County will gain access through this program. Community Action Akron Summit contributed $120,000 through the CSBG CARES grant for data communications to support service delivery of the program while AMHA purchased the devices.
“Bridging the digital divide in our community for low-income families in Summit County and reaching equality in online learning has been a primary goal in promoting self-sufficiency in the community that we serve”, stated Malcolm J. Costa, Community Action Akron Summit President and CEO. “With the use of more and more technology, the digital divide increases and continues to exacerbate socioeconomic disparities for underserved populations”.
“We are proud to work with an organization who shares in AMHA’s vision of bridging the digital divide in our community,” says Herman Hill, AMHA’s Executive Director. “This is an exciting opportunity to provide residents with resources that promote self-sufficiency and individual growth.