Digital Inclusion

Digital Inclusion Services

CHA is dedicated to bringing digital literacy services and resources to communities it serves. Through our Digital Inclusion Services (DIS) area and partnerships, residents have access to training, digital devices, and services in the community that supports them in daily life activities. DIS assists individuals and/or groups to access and obtain information so they can communicate via 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.

Services 

Training - DIS provides digital skills training such as Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Word, Computing with Confidence, Recognizing Internet Scams, Online Security Protection, utilizing mobile applications, and creating Google accounts. Some training curriculums can be designed to meet the needs of targeted audience. Please contact us via email digitalinclusion@thecha.org or call (312) 913-7979 to discuss your training needs.

Youth Activities – Throughout the year, youth have an opportunity to participate in Chicago City of Learning (CCOL) coding challenges, and FUSE Camps during the summer. Coding allows youth to explore their interest in a free digital playground connecting learning activities and earn digital badges to show off their skills.  During the summer, the Mobile Technology Van conducts Fuse Camp on and offsite, designed around youth interest in music, fashion, design and more.

Senior Activities - Computing with Confidence designed to increase digital awareness among our senior housing population. The curriculum focuses on increasing seniors’ knowledge and skills to have confidence utilizing digital devices required to communicate with family and friends, access mobile online applications, and engage in community activities.

Mobile Technology Van - The mobile lab provides onsite training and activities throughout the city.  The mobile lab is beneficial in reaching clients who don’t have access to digital trainings, services, devices, and is equipped with 30 laptops and accessories that can be seen at park districts, LAC Fun Days, and community events.

ConnectHomeUSA – CHA is a cohort member of ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA), a movement to bridge the digital divide for HUD-assisted housing residents in the United States through non-profit organization EveryoneOn. CHUSA partners with agencies and organizations that are committed to providing free or low-cost internet service, computers, and digital skills training.

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.

Comcast Internet Essentials Training – Through a partnership with Comcast, digital skills classes are now offered to residents and communities beyond CHA’s public housing.  For a list of scheduled classes or to learn and apply for Comcast’s affordable internet home services, click here. Information is also available in CHA’s Digital Resource Centers. 

Microsoft– The Microsoft Professional Program was created to help gain technical job-ready skills and get real-world experience through online courses, hands-on labs, and expert instruction. For more information, click here.

Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (CCWP) Microsoft Office Webinars – CCWP webinars on a variety of Microsoft Office programs and topics all throughout July 2021. Learn more and register for free here.

PCs for People – Resource distributing refurbished computers with updated software at low cost. Low-cost internet also offered 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.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – FCC program providing discounts on broadband service and equipment. Learn more about benefits, eligibility and how to submit an application here.

Chicago Connected – Program that provides no-cost, high-speed internet service to CPS students and their families. Learn more here and visit cps.edu/getconnected.

Digital Resource Centers

Digital Resource Centers are now open by reservation ONLY. Contact your DRC for availability.

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 Section 3 program. 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 new 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.

Access to the DRCs is not restricted to CHA residents, but is open to 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. Review DRC Usage Guidelines prior to utilizing DRC equipment and services here.

Digital Resource Centers Locations