San Antonio housing organization awarded $125K grant for affordable web connectivity

Opportunity Home, formerly the San Antonio Housing Authority, announced March 29 it is the sole San Antonio recipient of a $125,000 Affordable Connectivity Program grant by the Federal Communications Commission to promote awareness and participation in the program.

Opportunity Home officials said increasing awareness and participation in the FCC’s program helps to narrow the digital divide, connecting residents from underserved communities to broadband access and devices at alternative rates.

San Antonio-area civic and business leaders have long called for bridging the local digital gap in neighborhoods where residents lack access to affordable, reliable, fast internet service or to affordable devices.

Advocates for closing the digital divide said affordable web access is vital for residents who seek to stay atop employment, education, health care and transportation opportunities to improve their quality of life.

According to Opportunity Home, local residents who qualify for digital service with them receive a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service, and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, computer, desktop or tablet from participating providers.

“Narrowing the digital divide in San Antonio is important to the city’s overall well-being,” said Jessica Strom, Opportunity Home’s digital inclusion manager, in a statement. “Residents having access to internet service and devices at an affordable cost opens up a world of opportunities.”