Treasurer Cisneros Joins One Economy for Launch of Its First Federally Funded Broadband Initiative in San Francisco

Mercy Housing Residents Receive Free Internet, Technology Training and Online Tools

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Treasurer José Cisneros joined One Economy, AT&T, Mercy Housing President, residents and other community and corporate leaders as the global nonprofit launched its first federally funded broadband initiative in San Francisco. One Economy’s We Are Now Connected campaign will bring affordable high-speed Internet access, digital literacy training, technical support and online programs and resources to underserved communities in 31 states across the country. Following remarks from community, corporate and elected officials at the San Francisco launch event One Economy provided residents with a technology exposition and training.

“Twenty-first century technology is imperative to the economic development and well-being of the people of San Francisco and we greatly appreciate the U.S. Government, One Economy and all the leaders gathered here today who are investing in our city’s economic future,” said José Cisneros, San Francisco Treasurer who gave remarks at the launch. “The people here today show the power and commitment of a community, and it is that community engagement that will make this country prosperous and strong.”

The We Are Now Connected broadband initiative is being funded through a $28.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Broadband Technology Opportunity Program. The grant will allow One Economy to bring affordable access, digital literacy training and online content to the District of Columbia and 31 states over the next 18 months.

In California, One Economy will launch programs in twelve cities throughout Northern and Central California including nine communities in the San Francisco/Bay area. One Economy and AT&T have been on the forefront of providing access to low-income communities – closing the “digital divide” and introducing more opportunities for education, jobs and health services. In the last five years, AT&T has pledged more than $37 million in contributions to One Economy to help bring broadband to low-income communities. One Economy with support from AT&T has already connected more than 750 Mercy Housing apartments to the Internet.

“At Mercy Housing we witness firsthand the powerful impact that having access to the Internet has on our residents lives. It is the difference between literacy and illiteracy,” said Jane Graf, President, Mercy Housing California. “We take the Internet for granted in our schools, our work in our homes – every part of our daily lives. Imagine the disadvantage to children from homes where the cost was just too high. We have an obligation to assure that there is no digital divide – the future of our children depends on it.”

As part of its Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the U.S. Government recognized the vital role of broadband in economic development and appropriated 7.2 billion towards broadband expansion. Based on successful broadband adoption programs launched nationwide by One Economy over the past ten years, the government awarded the global nonprofit with one of the largest grants for broadband adoption. One Economy received the grant in partnership with the Broadband Opportunity Coalition, a group of the country’s leading civil rights organizations, and is supplementing the grant with $23 million in private sector matching support. AT&T provided the largest corporate match.

“Affordable broadband access can empower people by providing expanded educational opportunities, career opportunities, the latest health information and more,” said Ken McNeely, President, AT&T California. “AT&T is pleased to continue its work with One Economy and other agencies to help low-income families get connected to a world of opportunity.”

At the San Francisco We Are Now Connected launch, the One Economy Mobile Technology lab, was set up on the Mercy Housing premises to provide residents with technology training. One Economy has four Technology Labs that will travel around the United States. The Mobile Technology Lab will remain in San Francisco through mid December.

“When One Economy was founded ten years ago, it was our vision to ensure that every person regardless of income could tap into the power of technology to improve their lives,” said Alan Greenlee, Vice President, One Economy’s California division. “With the commitment of the U.S. government and the full engagement of our country’s political, corporate and community leaders we can break down the barriers to broadband adoption and maximize broadband opportunities.”

About One Economy

One Economy is a global non-profit organization that has been at the forefront of using innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people. More than 17 million people have used One Economy's online tools and resources to build better lives. To date, One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Learn more at www.one-economy.com.

CONTACT:

One Economy
Carol Gregory
202-393-4577
cgregory@one-economy.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  California  District of Columbia

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Internet  Networks  Telecommunications  Public Policy/Government  Mobile/Wireless  Public Policy  State/Local  Philanthropy  Foundation

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