At altafiber, we are proud of our commitment to investing in communities.
As the pandemic hit, the Housing Authority of Covington (HAC) noted an increased need for Internet among their low-income residents. As part of our digital equity initiative, UniCity, we partnered with the HAC to expand Internet access to people who needed it for work, school, healthcare, and more.
The Problem
Internet access became critical for families and students as districts adopted a distance learning model during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond that, Wi-Fi access connects residents to critical community resources like telehealth services and employment information and opportunities.
Our low-income residents are particularly likely to experience service gaps in education, health care, employment and retail due to the digital divide. Our youth experienced disruptions in their schooling and inadequate IT resources to participate in their daily lessons and complete homework assignments. Digital inequality deprives people these critical connections.
Jon Adkins
Director/Resident Services
The Housing Authority of Covington
As schools and businesses began to close, internet access became a necessity, not a luxury.
The Solution
UniCity worked to expand Internet access for HAC residents by creating about 125 Wi-Fi neighborhood access points. We also ran new fiber to neighborhoods that lacked fiber services, particularly in neighborhoods with high concentrations of Covington students.
As part of the initiative, residents of the HAC’s biggest apartment complexes, Latonia Terrace and City Heights, now have access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
The Impact
Campus-wide Wi-Fi has made “a world of difference” for HAC residents.
HAC houses 545 school-aged children, who now have the resources to attend online classes and complete homework. Adult residents have used the new services to continue college or vocational training programs or to conduct job searches. Beyond education and employment, community members are utilizing the technology for Zoom calls, telehealth services, social media, and more.
This could not have happened without UniCity. Many residents have voiced their new ability to be included in the virtual space as life-changing.
Jon Adkins
Director/Resident Services
The Housing Authority of Covington
The negative impact of the digital divide became painfully apparent when schools closed their doors. But a silver lining emerged — the life-changing online resources that HAC residents can now access thanks to the Housing Authority of Covington and altafiber.
The impact of UniCity for residents and their children will be felt not only in education, but also in employment, finance, healthcare, and beyond.
Campus-wide Wi-Fi will continue to provide a crucial link to information and resources that will not only help stabilize families, but help them on their paths to self-sufficiency and better futures.
Jon Adkins
Director/Resident Services
The Housing Authority of Covington
The time is now. To learn more, connect with your UniCity specialist by filling out the form here or email unicity@cinbell.com.