Bringing IT Home Program

The "Digital Divide" is an increasingly prevalent problem in the United States. The racial and socio-economic characteristics of this divide are particularly acute in Cleveland, Ohio where African-American and low-income Clevelanders lag well behind the national and Midwest average in access to computer training, Internet connectivity and home computer ownership.

The Cleveland Housing Network offers a solution… The "Bringing IT Home" Program

To address the need to build capacity for successful homeownership and financial strength among low-income families, CHN has strategically forged alliances with a diverse group of partners to create the carefully designed Bringing Information Technology (IT) Home initiative. This capacity building toolbox of hardware, software, training, data access and interactive web-based applications will foster financial literacy for (initially 150) low-income families working toward eventual homeownership. Participants will receive hands-on, individualized computer and Internet training purposefully designed in a manner and format that is both useful and appropriate to their skill level. After training, Bringing It Home (BIH) provides an in-home desktop PC (the project pays half the cost of the computer and the families pay the other half through the Digital Access Revolving Loan Fund), free access and unique supportive services from Digital Connectors. Once trained and equipped, BIH provides Cleveland residents with an opportunity to actively control their own economic destiny utilizing a comprehensive set of interactive tools, in both English and Spanish.

"Bringing IT Home" current and future initiatives include:

On-line banking / money management with take action capability to connect to mainstream financial services (checking and savings) that includes monthly computer loan payments, direct deposit (providing downpayment savings) and direct rental payments
On-line financial literacy with personalized financial coaches / mentors to seek advice as financial problems are encountered or opportunities arise
The Cleveland Beehive with specially tailored, local resources such as healthcare and clinics, career counseling, family resources and a continuously updated area job board and placement tool
Online interactive capacity building curriculum in housing counseling, homeownership and home maintenance skills (basic classes begin at CHN's Technology Center, advanced on-line through this homeownership and maintenance module)
Build healthy neighborhoods through on-line access and interaction with the City of Cleveland's Building and Housing Code violation system and the capability to apply for construction permits (once Lease Purchasers become homeowners) via the Internet
Provide a digital community amongst program participants that provides best practices (developed by CHN). Including the ability to gather information, ask questions, participate in the resident-run Resident Advisory Council and connect with other program families through our web-based Instant Communicator software.

What are the immediate benefits of The "Bringing IT Home" Program?

Preliminary benefits of BIH are:

Increased technology skills, money savings by using on-line banking services (check cashing institutions cost approximately $20/check), savings in time and travel by eliminating in-person financial transactions, housing, financial and employment consultation, improved monitoring of neighborhood housing and nearly effortless communication capability between Lease Purchasers, CHN, mainstream financial services, CBOs dedicated to financial literacy and local government.

Long-term outcomes of BIH are:

Financial literacy, lasting financial stability including successful homeownership and a culture of use for technology amongst Cleveland's most marginalized individuals.

The "Bringing IT Home" Program starts by participating in our Level One Computer Class.