Bringing Information Technology home for underserved families to help narrow the digital divide

Bringing IT Home is a program dedicated to helping individuals who have little or no computer experience by providing free computer training and the opportunity to purchase a home computer. After completing basic Level I and Level II computer courses and a series of financial education classes, students are eligible to purchase a state-of-the-art desktop personal computer. Based on a prestigious second grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, qualifying graduates are able to purchase an in-home computer through the program’s Digital Access Revolving Loan Fund, making this major purchase possible through affordable monthly payments.

Bring IT Home current and future initiatives include:

• On-line banking / money management features including a spending tracker, and budget spreadsheets in Excel.
  
• Personal financial coaches/mentors to help build financial literacy skills, and provide advice on financial opportunities.
  
• Building healthy neighborhoods through on-line access to the City of Cleveland's Building and Housing code violation system, including the ability to apply for construction permits via the Internet.
  
• Web-based Instant Communicator Software to provide a digital community among CHN residents, including the ability to gather information, ask questions, participate in the resident-managed Resident Advisory Council and connect with other residents.
  
  
  Outcomes
  
• Bridging the digital divide to over 200 low-income families by increasing technology skills and providing personal home computers.
  
• Encourage clients to avoid the fringe economy, and participate in mainstream banking services.
  
  

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

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