MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Nearly 400 low income families now have free internet access for one year.
ConnectHome is part of President Barack Obama’s plan to make it easier for low income residents who don’t have opportunities to connect to the Internet.
The families told WREG getting the new tablet device will make it easier for their children do their homework.
“You see a lot of these families, it’s going to help a lot of them better themselves,” said Yolonda Robinson.
Robinson said getting on the Internet to help her son with his homework wasn’t easy but that could change.
She is one of hundreds of Foote Homes residents getting the free tablet device allowing families to use the Internet for free.
“It’s an opportunity for my son. We use our phones but in that asset it’s a little bit expensive so they’re offering us a year of internet access. And he’s going to be a senior next year,” said Robinson.
“So their lives can change, they can have access at homes, they can have a better opportunity to do their homework, job training, apply for jobs. Parents can follow their kids in school. It’s a great opportunity,” said Ed Jennings with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
People who live in Foote Homes said this will also make it easier to find housing.
The city said the area will be torn down and placed with affordable housing.
Now people have to find somewhere to live.
There will be applications on the tablet allowing them to search for public housing.
“I’m very blessed to be here to see this moment first of all and blessed to get this tablet because if I had to buy it out of my pocket, I wouldn’t be able to do it,” Lisa Conrad who also lives in Foote Homes.
