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SENIORS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, AND HUD
CELEBRATE IN THE DEDICATION OF A
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS COMPUTER CENTER

Spokane, WA  - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), Winchester Court I, II and III, St. Johns Properties, Inc. Kiemle and Hagood Co., Winchester Court I, II, and III residents, and supporting community groups celebrate the dedication of the Winchester Court Neighborhood Networks Center located at the FIX Center.

Located in Spokane, Washington, this Neighborhood Network Center is the 40th center in a Washington State HUD insured and assisted facility. The Winchester Court Neighborhood Networks Center is part of the Neighborhood Networks Initiative sponsored by HUD to provide new economic and community- based opportunities. The initiative encourages owners and managers of HUD assisted housing to create computer learning centers on-site for the residents and community, with the help of other community partners and resources, both public and private.

Of particular significance is the fact that Winchester Court Neighborhood Networks Center is a comprehensive, community-based program to provide educational opportunities for seniors to learn and connect with their community. Winchester Court I, II, and III include a total of 119-units, home to over 120 residents, primarily seniors. Winchester Court I, II, and III provides safe, affordable housing and supportive services, thereby, allowing seniors to remain at home as long as possible. Winchester Court Neighborhood Networks Center brings the services and community connections right to the seniors' home.

Winchester Court Neighborhood Networks Center's objectives and focus include:

• Teaching basic skills and increasing adult education level by making educational programs available to 100% of the adult residents who participate in the program.
• Improving social service accessibility and individual case management by linking the programs of local agencies available to the residents on an independent level and through the Service Coordinator.
• Building cohesive community by creating useful ongoing linkages with community groups.
• To improve/maintain hand eye coordination, memory skills, and dexterity through the skills needed in personal computing.
• To access outside information that would not normally be available to the resident due to lack of mobility, finance and physical impairments.
• Further enhance intergenerational gapping programs that have already been established by a volunteer core of college prepatory students, middle school students, and preschoolers.
• To enhance and provide precision training and increased confidence level in the continuing advancement of telecommunication. Ability to successfully use services such as automated operators, banking services and accessibility to other community businesses using similar programs.

The Winchester Court Neighborhood Networks Center is an example of partners working together for the benefits of the residents and community. Together these partners have created a unique environment that incorporates the use and access of technology directly into the every day routine of the residents of Winchester Court I, II ,and III. It is an example of the benefits derived by linking technology and housing together to meet the needs of the residents and community.

Computer literacy is quickly becoming an important requirement of daily living in today's society. It is critical that seniors have a thorough understanding of computers and software in order to communicate with needed services, organizations, doctors, and family members. Personal computers and computer literacy greatly enhance and facilitate the individual residents' pursuit of economic independence and also provides opportunities for education, socialization, and community information.

Winchester Court Neighborhood Networks Center is one of over 1000 centers that have opened up nationwide. There are 700 more in the planning stages.

For more information about the dedication or Winchester Court, please call Don Cheney, Neighborhood Network Coordinator, at (509) 499-0639, or by email.

Visit Neighborhood Networks to learn more.

More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov.