Internet Benefits Low Income Families
Increased educational success at all levels
Online jobs search and career development
Access to social services and health information
Cost-saving advantages of online shopping
Search for vehicles and safe, affordable housing
Connect with family and friends
Assistance on the path to integration and citizenship
Reasons for Not Getting Online
#1 is Cost – Biggest expense is a owning a computer.
#2 is Intimidation – Not knowing how to use the PC and the Internet. Where do they go to learn these skills?
#3 is Relevancy – Not knowing what can be done online and how it applies to their lives.
#4 is Affordable Service – However, if people have overcome 1-3 they will find a way to get connected!
Digital Divide in Metro Kansas City
50% in Kansas City KS don’t have Internet in their homes. #7 least connected large city in America (2013 US Census)
80% of households in low income, minority neighborhoods do not own computers or have static Internet connections
70% of Kansas City Public Schools students have no Internet at home. 40% move during the school year.
78% of low income families reside in multi-family subsidized housing facilities
Four Pronged Solution
Inexpensive Refurbished Computer Equipment
Digital Life Skills Training
Free and AffordableInternet Connectivity
Public Access PC Labs/ Community Technology Centers
Where Refurbished Computers are Going
• Since March 2013, CFG has produced over 2,000 refurbished computers.
• Most went to neighborhoods where just 1 in 5 households owned computers
• $75 desktops, $150 laptops
Free Digital Life Skills Classes
Email use
Search engine use
Health/medical info
Government services
Job applications
Social networking
Video watch/download
Online shopping
Banking online
Online Learning
Who Did We Reach with Free Classes?2014: 2,106 students in 244 sessions at ten sites
25% never used a PC75% over 50 years old80% minorities75% income <$20,000 yr.2/3 women1/2 child in their homes
Community Technology Centers
Partnership with Kansas City Kansas Housing Authority provides 20-seat public access computer center open daily with free classes
Goal: anchor centers throughout the city
Wireless Connectivity at Public HousingWi-Fi mesh networks bring free in-home Internet to 500 families at three public housing and Section 8 facilities.
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