Digital Inclusion

Digital Inclusion Services

CHA is dedicated to bringing digital literacy services and resources to communities it serves. Through our Digital Inclusion  (DI) area and partnerships, residents have access to affordable broadband service, digital skills training, digital devices, and services in the community that supports them in daily life activities. DI assists individuals and/or groups to access and obtain information so they can communicate using the internet with confidence. Residents need digital access to seek employment, education, online banking, etc. In addition, more and more of CHA’s systems and applications are becoming digital; therefore, residents need access to technology to sustain self-sufficiency.

For additional information about services, contact Digital Inclusion at 312-913-7979 or digitalinclusion@thecha.org. 
 

BROADBAND SERVICES

AFFORDABLE DIGITAL DEVICES

• PCs for People – Provides refurbished computers with updated software at low cost, and also offers low-cost internet  for students, elderly, veterans, and underserved populations. PCs for People helps to get computers in the homes of those who truly need them. For more information, click here.
   
• Compudopt – Distributes refurbished devices with updated software to families with children K-12. Compudopt’s programs serve to eliminate limited access to computers, facilitate growth in technical and digital literacy skills, help provide no or low-cost high-speed internet options and support the future of youth and their communities. For more information, click here.
   

DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING

• AARP Foundation Digital Skills Ready @50+ - Connecting older adults to technology, and each other. In partnership with AARP, CHA offers free lectures, workshops, and multi-week technology courses that help older adults learn computer basics and develop life-enhancing computer skills in each of our Digital Resource Centers. For more information, click here.
   
• Northstar Online Learning – Online, self-guided learning modules and assessments in 15 skill areas allow learners to master skills and earn certificates. The lessons give learners multiple opportunities to build digital literacy skills through practice tasks. For more information, click here.
   
• Chicago Digital Learn – Partnership with Chicago Public Libraries, offering 20+ courses in English and Spanish designed to build your computer confidence. Courses include technical skills like the Microsoft Suite through to online job seeking, as well as online safety. For more information, click here.
   
• Youth Activities – Provide youth an opportunity to participate in technology programs to explore their interest in activities such as STEAM and coding.
   

DIGITAL RESOURCE CENTERS

Resident Services provides access to technological resources at nine Digital Resource Centers (DRCs) located in various Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) developments and community centers (see details below). The DRCs range in size to accommodate 20 – 40 participant spots.

Daily oversight of the DRCs is provided by the on-site FamilyWorks Agencies and are staffed by monitors who are CHA public housing residents or Housing Choice Voucher Program participants. The residents/participants are hired through CHA's Workforce Opportunity Resource Center FamilyWorks assists the monitors through staff development.

Technical support and maintenance are provided by the CHA’s Information Technology Services Department.  All centers are equipped with computers, updated software, projectors, and are Wi-Fi accessible.

Each DRC has open computer time, provides technical support, coordinated programming for residents and other activities that encourage all ages to utilize computers and technology. DRCs are open to CHA residents and all members of the community.

DRCs are also available for use by CHA Departments and contractors, the Central Advisory Council/Local Advisory Council, and community organizations to conduct training and programming. Internal and external partners interested in reserving space should contact the DRC directly via email or phone and complete a reservation request form at least two weeks in advance of the scheduled event/activity.

Digital Resource Centers Locations