The Jersey City Housing Authority received a $12,623 AARP Community Challenge grant, one of five given in New Jersey, to help bring better digital access to their residents.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The project will provide WiFi, smart home devices, a computer lab, and digital literacy programming to reduce social isolation, bridge language barriers and create sustainable, on-site digital programming.
“Nationally, only one-third of public housing residents have internet access, and for most that is through a cell phone connection,” JCHA Executive Director Vivian Brady-Phillips said in a statement.
“The AARP Community Challenge grant will allow 50 low-income JCHA households — some of the most isolated during the pandemic — to get connected, enabling them to access online education, utilize telehealth services, connect with family and friends virtually, and better engage in civic and political activities.”
This project is part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.2 million awarded among 244 organizations nationwide.
Grantees will implement quick-action projects to promote livable communities by improving housing, transportation, public spaces, civic engagement, and connection with family, friends, and neighbors with an emphasis on the needs of the 50-plus.
Many of this year’s awards support revitalizing communities adversely impacted by the pandemic and include a focus on diversity, inclusion, and disparities.
“We are incredibly excited to support the Jersey City Housing Authority as they work to make immediate improvements in their community to encourage promising ideas and jumpstart long-term change,” explained AARP New Jersey State Director Stephanie Hunsinger.
“Our goal at AARP New Jersey is to support the efforts of our communities to be great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.”
Other New Jersey grantees include the Borough of Red Bank, Berkeley Heights Township, Camden Community Partnership, and Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.
All projects are expected to be completed by November 10th and The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages.
