PCs for People KC (formerly Connecting For Good) provides internet access, computers, digital skills training and community partnerships to help low- and moderate-income communities open minds and opportunities for a better future.
Desktops start at $50, and laptops start at $100. This comes with a one-year warranty on hardware after purchase. They also have additional features available for purchase such as Microsoft Office and a Wi-Fi adapter for wireless internet service.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is designed to assist families struggling to access internet service by offering a discount of up to $30 a month toward broadband service and providing a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50).
A household is eligible if their household income is below 200% of the federal poverty line or one member of the household participates in one or more of these programs:
This benefit can be combined with the Lifeline Program benefit.
The Lifeline program provides a monthly discount of $9.25 for broadband internet for households with an income below 135% of the federal poverty line or with at least one member participating in one or more of the following federal programs:
This discount can be used in addition to the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Through the NMTC Program, the CDFI Fund allocates tax credit authority to Community Development Entities (CDEs) through a competitive application process. CDEs are financial intermediaries through which private capital flows from an investor to a qualified business located in a low-income community. CDEs use their authority to offer tax credits to investors in exchange for equity in the CDE. Using the capital from these equity investments, CDEs can make loans and investments to businesses operating in low-income communities on better rates and terms and more flexible features than the market.
This program is not currently accepting applications.
HUD continues its efforts to narrow the digital divide in low-income communities served by HUD by providing, where feasible and with HUD funding, broadband infrastructure to communities in need of such infrastructure. Broadband is the common term used to refer to a very fast connection to the Internet. Such connections are also referred to as high-speed.
Although HUD plans to issue regulations that will formalize its steps for narrowing the digital divide, current CDBG funds can be used for broadband installation infrastructure and service delivery.