HUD TO MARK NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS 10^TH ANNIVERSARY AT NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE
June 29-July 1 event will focus on decade of success, future growth

WASHINGTON - The Neighborhood Networks Initiative will mark a decade of delivering technology access to America's communities at a 10^th Anniversary national training conference sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Sponsored by HUD's Office of Multifamily Housing Programs, the June 29 - July 1, 2005 conference will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The conference, "Connecting Communities, Creating Opportunities," will provide Neighborhood Networks stakeholders, including property owners and managers, center staff, volunteers, partners, residents, and HUD staff, an opportunity to exchange fresh ideas and discuss the latest techniques, strategies and tools for building and sustaining Neighborhood Networks centers.

Innovative and engaging speakers will host more than 20 plenary sessions and workshops that will cover diverse topics, such as resource development, fundraising, grantwriting techniques, creating and leveraging partnerships and program design. Pre-conference sessions, including an orientation for new Neighborhood Networks centers, will start on Tuesday, June 28.

In addition to the workshops, exhibitors will highlight cutting-edge resources and products of special interest to Neighborhood Networks centers. A tour of the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral will provide conference attendees with a unique educational opportunity and highlight the special partnership between Neighborhood Networks and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The Neighborhood Networks Recognition Ceremony will highlight the special contributions of remarkable individuals and outstanding organizations that have supported the Neighborhood Networks initiative over the past decade.

HUD created Neighborhood Networks in 1995 to encourage property owners to establish community learning centers in HUD insured and assisted properties. Neighborhood Networks was one of the first federal initiatives to promote self-sufficiency and help provide computer access to low-income housing communities. Today, more than 1,100 Neighborhood Networks centers are in operation across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Since its inception, Neighborhood Networks has been at the forefront of delivering technology access to America's communities. Neighborhood Networks centers help to improve the quality of life for residents by:

• Providing job training and placement
• Creating employment and educational opportunities
• Advancing literacy and language skills programs
• Providing access to healthcare information and other social services

Adults have launched careers, started small businesses, and improved their incomes after completing training at Neighborhood Networks centers. Families have become homeowners. Children have improved their grades, earned scholarships and enriched their lives. Seniors have learned new skills, secured jobs, and engaged in community activities.

To learn more about the conference, call the Neighborhood Networks Information Center toll-free at 1-888-312-2743, or visit the Neighborhood Networks Website.

HUD is the nations housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.