02/21/2020

RHA Residents Receive Free Laptops, Learn Computer Skills

Gentleman standing a podium. Group of graduates of the program. Lady standing at a podium. Man speaking to the class. Attendees of the computer skills class.

Roxboro Housing Authority awarded 15 Digital Literacy graduates with a free laptop at its quarterly Digital Inclusion meeting held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, in the newly renovated Harris Gardens Community Room.

The meeting had over 30 attendees. Piedmont Community College, in partnership with RHA, provided the instructor, Dr. Alfred Faulkner and the computer lab for the classes for RHA's residents and other participants.

RHA received a $2,000 grant from GitHub. The Authority used the funds to purchase and distribute laptops to graduates. Nine participants had perfect attendance.

To qualify, one had to attend a 10-week training curriculum. Success of this activity is attributed to the residents who were committed to self-improvement and to PATS Transit Authority for the provision of free in-city transportation.

RHA continues to explore other public and private partnerships to expand its digital connection program for more public housing residents.

Ms. Annie Graham, Resident Opportunities Self Sufficiency Coordinator led this effort to help bridge the digital divide within underserved communities in Person County. RHA is one of over 15 agencies in the Southeastern region that partners with ConnectHomeUSA and EveryoneOn. Both non-profit entities receive resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to get as many public housing residents possible online with a device of their own and participating in an every growing digital society.