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FIRST NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS COMPUTER CENTER IN REDMOND
Families, Community Partners, and HUD Celebrate the Dedication

Redmond, WA - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), Redmond Elderly Housing Association, the Archdiocesan Housing Authority, the residents of Emma McRedmond Manor, and supporting community groups celebrate the dedication of the Emma McRedmond Manor's Neighborhood Networks Computer Center. This is the first Neighborhood Networks Center in Redmond.

Located in Redmond at 7960 169th Avenue NE, this Neighborhood Network Center is the 43rd center in a Washington State HUD assisted facility. The Emma McRedmond Manor's Neighborhood Networks Computer 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 Emma McRedmond Manor's Neighborhood Networks Computer Center is a comprehensive, community-based program to provide basic computer training and access to the Internet to the residents of the Manor in order to promote personal enrichment and growth. The Manor, which is home to approximately 32 residents primarily seniors, provides safe, affordable housing and supportive services. This new Neighborhood Networks Computer Center will bring access to services and community connections right to the residents' home.

The objectives of the Neighborhood Networks Center program are:

• Introduction to/Familiarization with Computers
• Job Skills Training/Employment
• Internet Access and Access to Local Services
• Health Care
• Basic Adult Education, Literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), and GED
• Youth Education, Senior Services
• Continuing Education
• Recreation

The Emma McRedmond Manor's 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. 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. Personal computers and computer literacy greatly enhance and facilitate the individual resident's pursuit of economic independence and also provides opportunities for education, socialization, and community information.

Emma McRedmond Manor's 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 Emma McRedmond Manor's Neighborhood Networks Computer Center, please call Sandi Igo, Division Director, at (206) 328-5962 or by email.

Visit to learn more about Neighborhood Networks.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov or espanol.hud.gov/.

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