FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2019

Akron, OH—The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, through a partnership with Sprint, has started a free WIFI hotspot lending program for residents in public housing. The program will connect over 235 residents with free WIFI in their homes.

“These hotspots are giving residents in AMHA housing internet access so they are better able to complete their homework, apply for jobs, pay their bills, and live their lives,” says Christina Hodgkinson, AMHA Director of Resident Services. “This opportunity directly relates to individuals’ ease of living and connectivity.”

Each Sprint Hotspot comes with 3GB of free monthly data to be used for web browsing and homework. The Hotspot is borrowed for 90 days and can be renewed with a successful check-in after this time. Preference is given to families with children in Akron Public Schools who currently have a Chromebook.

“We find that students with these devices are still unable to complete homework without access to internet, which is why this population was a target for us,” says Joan Davidson, Resident Services Community Relations Manager.

In 2017, AMHA was selected to be one of 55 ConnectHome communities in America to partner with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to connect low-income families with access to broadband, electronic devices, technical training, and digital literacy programs. The availability of Sprint-funded hotspots is a critical step forward in combating the digital divide.

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CONTACT
Joan Davidson
Community Relations Manager
jdavidson@akronhousing.org
330-376-9960