Evidence Matters: Fall 2016

January 03, 2017  

The Fall 2016 issue of Evidence Matters: Transforming Knowledge Into Housing and Community Development Policy, which focuses on digital inclusion, is now available. This issue examines barriers to Internet access such as affordability of broadband, digital literacy, and residential location and discusses the consequences for low-income households. Additionally, this issue of Evidence Matters highlights three initiatives to bridge digital divides.

Key Findings:

• Digital divides have several consequences that can influence an individual's ability to achieve academically, acquire health care and health insurance, access online job applications, participate in civic activities, and develop social connections.

• Introduced in 2015, HUD's ConnectHome initiative builds partnerships with local government officials, nonprofits, and Internet service providers to improve digital connectivity in 28 HUD-assisted housing communities by providing free or low-cost Internet and computers, as well as digital literacy classes.

• Research on the causes of digital divides has broadened beyond the simple binary of those who are connected and unconnected to a more nuanced consideration of the influence that social relationships, place-based characteristics, digital literacy, and variation in equipment have on individuals' ability to access and benefit from the Internet.

• Innovative programs such as Unlocking the Connection in Austin provide public housing residents with digital literacy training, low-cost refurbished computers, and free Google Fiber Internet connections. The Connecting for Good program in Kansas City aims to improve digital education so parents can monitor their children's school work and advance their careers. The Tech Goes Home initiative in Chattanooga offers digital literacy workshops.

New on HUD User