Neighborhood House has been and continues to be a welcoming presence in St. Paul for thousands of refugees, immigrants and families who may be in transition or crisis. Our approach to programming recognizes the wholeness of every person’s life and considers aspects of each individual’s needs and well-being so that we can serve every member of a family as they build strength and stability for the future. We are very excited to be part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and be supporting our community members with getting access to the tools they need to be successful.

Residents in St. Paul’s areas with the lowest rates of connectivity are unable to fully participate in today’s society. We know that full connectivity increases a person’s ability to access information on healthy foods, housing stability, employment and educational opportunities, all of which are areas of expertise of Neighborhood House programming and why we are positioned to help close the “digital divide.”

When we look at the initiatives and the work that needs to be done – we recognize that there are many hurdles. Residents in St. Paul’s areas of lowest rates of connectivity are unable to participate fully in society today as it relates to employment, education, and access to medical care and the legal system. We know that full connectivity increases a person’s ability to access information on healthy foods, housing stability, and employment and educational opportunities, all of which are areas of expertise of Neighborhood House programming and why we are positioned to help.

In past year we have created a referral program between participants and their home library systems to loan Chromebook and hotspots, as needed. This resource is especially important for those who have no disposable income to purchase a refurbished device.

• These initiatives supported adult learners who are taking online (English/Citizenship/GED) classes.
• They support those who are re-entering the workforce and are learning digital literacy as they begin their job hunt.
• It has allowed participants to apply for their Front Line Worker pay during COVID pandemic.
• Has supported entrepreneurs with their work and in getting their businesses off the ground.

Through the ACP program, Neighborhood House was one of five organizations in Minnesota who received a grant funding their work. As we look forward to the future and being a part of this project, we are committed to growing out the Digital Navigator program by hiring two full-time Digital Navigators to collaborate with community partners and reach Neighborhood House participants across our entire organization and others in the St. Paul community who could benefit from these support systems and programming.

We are also in the process of setting up a collaboration and capacity-building effort called Technology Literacy Collaborative, a team of partners that would discuss best practices, successes and challenges in the digital equity field.

On May 3, 2023, Neighborhood House President & CEO Nancy Brady stood alongside other leaders and partners taking part in these digital inclusion initiatives, including: Ramsey County Commissioner, Trista Matas Castillo; Saint Paul Mayor, Melvin Carter; and Saint Paul’s Ward 6 Councilmember, Nelsie Yang to share about the work happening through the Connectivity Blueprint and the Affordable Connectivity Program through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Neighborhood House is excited to be working alongside these leaders and other partners to help our community members. Prioritizing digital inclusion is the foundation of an equitable future and inclusive economy, where everyone has connection and the ability to find success.

You can watch the recording of the press conference here.