The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a written acknowledgement of LeadingAge internet access recommendations for affordable housing providers on June 5.

In the agency’s written response to comments submitted by LeadingAge in late 2023, HUD highlighted several of LeadingAge’s recommendations, including the need for more resources and support to bridge the digital divide among older adult households with low incomes.

LeadingAge wrote a letter to HUD on December 18, 2023, about the expansion of its digital connectivity support program for affordable housing communities, called ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA), to intentionally include Multifamily Housing, like project-based Section 8 and Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly.

LeadingAge comments supported the expansion and also urged HUD to make additional improvements. “LeadingAge deeply values the efforts HUD has made to improve internet access in affordable senior housing, including by expanding the ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) program to intentionally include properties participating in HUD’s Multifamily Housing programs … The importance of internet connection for HUD-assisted older adults cannot be overstated.”

The letter also recommended a number of changes to HUD’s approach. The CHUSA program currently requires each property to have a dedicated staff person, which LeadingAge identified as a significant barrier to participation. We also recommended that HUD explore opportunities to bring internet resources more broadly to the Multifamily Housing portfolio.

In response, HUD published a written statement highlighting several LeadingAge recommendations and indicating agency consideration for program improvement.