Even the most technologically savvy person can learn something new each time they use a computer and connect to the Internet. At the graduation of the second Tech Starters cohort at Meadowbrook Apartments this week, Google Fiber Austin Community Impact Manager Parisa Fatehi-Weeks shared she recently learned how she could use Google Docs to help her mother, whose first language is Farsi, write and edit an important letter in English. “For years, I’ve been helping her write letters, but I’d … Read More
Austin Pathways Raises Over $17K During Amplify Austin
Austin Pathways raised about $17,000 during this year’s 24-hour Amplify Austin Day of giving March 5-6, tripling last year’s total of $5,375. One hundred percent of the funds, which were generously donated by 146 donors consisting of individuals, community partners and local businesses, provide support for programs like the Housing Authority of the City of Austin’s annual scholarship program and the Family Self-Sufficiency program for public and affordable housing residents, addressing critical services like transportation and childcare assistance. Thank you to everyone who donated, participated in fundraising … Read More
Tech Starters Celebrates Inaugural Graduation
Austin Free-Net and Austin Pathways graduated its first class of Tech Starters on March 2 at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin’s Manchaca Village. Each of the residents who completed the digital literacy class received a certificate of participation and a refurbished computer, complete with installed software, a mouse, keyboard and monitor. However graduates said they took away much more than devices as a result of participating in the pilot program. “My favorite thing I learned in class was social media because it opened up a … Read More
Manchaca Village Residents Get Connected at Tech Feria
Austin Pathways, Google Fiber and Austin Free-Net recently hosted a Tech Feria at Manchaca Village to inform residents of opportunities to sign up for free Internet service, email and digital literacy classes. Residents also entered a raffle to win prizes including T-shirts, water bottles and a refurbished computer, and were invited to voice their opinions during a survey conducted by University of Texas researchers. Volunteers from the Austin 3-1-1 and the Austin Independent School District shared a variety of online services and resources, like how to report potholes and schedule parent-teacher conferences online. Studies show equitable access to technology … Read More
HACA Celebrates Record Number of Family Self-Sufficiency Graduates and Homeowners
The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and its nonprofit subsidiary Austin Pathways recently hosted “Passport to Success,” the agency’s 17th Annual Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and Homeownership Recognition Luncheon at the Sheraton in downtown Austin. This year’s event featured a record number of 27 awardees. HACA’s FSS program equips residents with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve housing and financial independence. Services include education, workforce, health and life-skills programs, bolstered by access to child care, transportation … Read More
HUD Secretary joins HACA for Grand Opening of Education and Training Center
The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro today (Nov. 21) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the agency’s new Henry Flores Education and Training Center at Meadowbrook Apartments, 1201 A. W Live Oak St. “Brainpower is the currency of success in the 21st century global economy. The comprehensive training and resources now available will transform lives and uplift families,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. “Equipped with … Read More
HUD Secretary joins HACA, Google Fiber to Launch Nation’s First Digital Inclusion Program
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro joined the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and Google Fiber today (Nov. 20) to announce Unlocking the Connection, a community-based initiative to help bridge the city’s digital divide and help families build self-sufficiency that supports economic independence and transitioning from public assistance. “Closing the digital divide means that every child has a chance to succeed in the 21st century global economy,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. … Read More
Henry Flores Education and Training Center (ETC) Grand Opening
A date for the grand opening celebration of the Henry Flores Education and Training Center has been set! On November 6th at 11am, HACA staff and honored guests will be on hand to see the state-of-the-art ETC at Meadowbrook Apartments. More details will be forthcoming but if you’d like to volunteer for the event, make arrangements to be available on November 6th!
Austin Pathways Receives a Grant to Bridge the Public Housing Digital Divide
The Ford Foundation has granted $150,000 to support Austin Pathways’ vision of bridging the digital divide to our public housing families. This one-year grant will help Austin Pathways bring broadband Internet access, digital literacy training, and devices into the lives of the people we serve. The grant will go a long way towards the agency’s goal of providing ultra high-speed Internet access at all of its public housing properties.