Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center Becomes First Model Center in Michigan

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Kalamazoo, MI—With 18 computers and a variety of programs, the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center is the largest Neighborhood Networks center in Michigan. However, when it comes to establishing a successful Neighborhood Networks center, Interfaith Homes Property Manager Jennifer Williams knows it is quality, not quantity, that matters.

In April 2008, while attending a session on Center Classification during the Neighborhood Networks Regional Technical Assistance Workshop (RTAW) in Nashville, Tennessee, Williams decided it was time to prove that the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center did not simply possess a lot of resources, it delivered the right resources. And, what better way to make this point than by achieving the highest level in the Neighborhood Networks Center Classification System?

"At the Nashville RTAW, I felt like every other center was a Model center and that our center needed to be one too," explained Williams. "I made my mind up to go home and do what needed to be done to become a Model center. After reviewing the requirements, I realized that we had fulfilled all of them, and all that was left to do was complete the paperwork. I fill out paperwork every day so that part was easy."

Just four months later, on August 11, 2008, the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center became the first Neighborhood Networks center in Michigan, and the 11th in the country, to achieve Model Center Classification. The center Williams worked so diligently to establish and grow is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

Taking Technology Access to a New Level

Every Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., residents of the 200-unit Interfaith Homes housing community visit the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center to gain access to its computing resources and participate in a variety of programs aimed at increasing self-sufficiency and academic achievement. And while offering the use of a fully stocked computer center is a major perk to residents, Williams wanted to make it even easier for residents to access technology and practice the computer skills they learn at the center. In 2007, Williams launched a program that provides free Internet access and a home computer to every resident who wants one. So far, more than half of the residents have taken advantage of the program, and the number is continuously increasing.

A Computer in Every Home

As with many Neighborhood Networks center programs, Williams' plan to provide a computer and Internet access to every resident began with a quest for money. After identifying potential funders, Williams successfully wrote grants that secured more than $100,000 from local organizations, including the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Hot Sites Network, Interfaith Homes, Network System Solutions, the Fetzer Institute, and the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center.

Williams used a portion of the grant money to create a wireless network on the property. To gain free access to the network, residents request a password. Once logged onto the network, residents can establish their own personal password that allows them to access the network from their apartment or anywhere on the property.

With the network in place, Williams next focused on providing residents with their own home computer. "Today, being connected to the Internet is critical to one's success. With an Internet connection, adults can research and apply for jobs. Even though the center is open until 7 p.m. every weeknight, some of our residents are unable to take advantage of the center's computers because they work during the center's hours of operation. Also, adults may be unable to get to the center as often as they wish because they may have small children at home. With a home computer, they can practice what they learned at the center. Having a computer at home is also critical for the young residents. So much of their homework depends on having an Internet connection. Again, the computers at the center are helpful, but if they need to do their homework later than the center is open, or if they need to do research for a project during the weekend, they need a home computer," explained Williams.

To obtain personal computers for residents, Williams solicited computer donations from long-time partners and local organizations, including Western Michigan University and Pfizer, Inc. Williams also used a portion of the grant money to replace the computers in the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center. The existing 18 computers were refurbished and donated to residents.

To receive a computer, residents must apply and meet certain requirements. Residents must either: pay their rent on time for six months; have children in the household who are earning at least a B grade point average; have children who have an acceptable attendance level in school; or be involved with a community activity, such as the Neighborhood Watch. Residents must also complete a computer training class at the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center. The class provides an overview of basic computer use and explains how to establish an e-mail account and use the Internet. Residents must also sign a waiver that releases the property from any responsibility of how the residents use the computer and the Internet. Once residents complete the application and center staff confirm that they meet one of the above requirements, they are awarded a home computer that is theirs to keep. So far, the center has given away 60 computers and 101 Internet pass cards to residents.

Delivering More than Just Technology

One might think that participation in center programs would decrease as more and more residents receive their own home computer, but this is not the case at the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center. The variety of center programs and services offered at the center ensures repeat visits by residents.

For example, as an access point for Michigan Works!, the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center makes it more convenient for residents to research and apply for a job. Residents who are interested in finding a job no longer have to go to the other side of town to a Michigan Works! service center to access the organization's job database or career portal.

"Residents only have to come to the center, and we will help them establish their own Michigan Works! account and use the Michigan Works! career portal to create a resume, conduct a job search, and apply for a job. The center became an access point on October 1, 2008, and we have already had one resident use the system and obtain a job," explained Williams.

The center also offers Community Advocates for Parents and Students (CAPS). Approximately 40 to 60 students participate in this tutoring program that meets from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Tutors for the program, which recently started its third year of operation, are education majors from nearby Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University.

"While CAPS members serve as advocates for parents whose children may be facing some challenges in school, the primary goal of the program is to help students at Interfaith Homes and in the community achieve the academic success necessary to take advantage of the Kalamazoo Promise. The Kalamazoo Promise is a scholarship program that was started four years ago by a group of very generous individuals who wish to remain anonymous. Depending on how many years the student attended a Kalamazoo Public School, the program provides up to 100 percent tuition scholarships to Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates who attend a state-supported public university or community college in Michigan. It is an amazing opportunity that we encourage all of our students to take advantage of," reported Williams.

Searching for Resources, Finding a New Center Director

It was also during the Nashville RTAW that Williams met Tara Edwards, the center program director for another Neighborhood Networks center in Kalamazoo. Like Williams, Edwards was attending the RTAW to obtain resources that would help her enhance her center's operations. The two women struck up a friendship, and when Williams' center director resigned, Williams immediately offered the position to Edwards. Edwards became the director of the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center in August 2008.

"At the RTAW, Jennifer and I talked about writing a grant together that would allow each of our centers to create a home healthcare training class for residents," said Edwards. "When she called me a couple of months after the RTAW, I thought it was to talk about the grant. But when she asked me if I would be interested in being the director at the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center, I was thrilled because I knew Jennifer had created a solid center. I am happy to be a part of the team at Interfaith Homes, and I am excited to build on Jennifer's efforts and find ways to improve the programs and services offered at the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center."

For more information about Neighborhood Networks centers in Michigan, contact:

Pamela M. Wildfong
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Detroit Multifamily Hub
477 Michigan Avenue, Room 1600
Detroit, MI 48226-2564
(313) 226-6280 x8126

Mary A. Mathis
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Detroit Multifamily Hub
477 Michigan Avenue, Room 1600
Detroit, MI 48226-2564
(313) 226-6280 x8149

For more information about the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center, contact:

Jennifer Williams, Property Manager
Tara Edwards, Center Director
Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center
1037 Interfaith Boulevard
Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (269) 382-0012