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MHB News

Bridging the Digital Divide in Mobile County

T-Mobile donated 226 smart tablet computers to Mobile Housing Board for distribution to families in two of the agency’s affordable housing developments.

In addition to the tablet computers, the 226 families received a year of free internet service, thanks to Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, who allocated $30,000 to the Mobile Housing Board for Choice Neighborhoods Planning. That Educational Fund Project (EFP) money was used as matching Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant money.

The tablet computers were distributed at training sessions conducted by the Mobile Public Library (MPL) and Mobile Housing Board (MHB), with assistance from the Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS).

The tablets were preloaded with Big Universe and other applications and links provided or recommended by MCPSS, MPL and MHB. Big Universe is a digital library featuring 10,000 eBooks for all subjects and tools for writing.

“High-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a critical service that must be affordable to all families,” said Matt Beagle, T-Mobile Digital Inclusion Specialist. “This is a tool that has the ability to break generational poverty through digital literacy and education. It will move the needle,” Beagle added.

“On behalf of Mobile Housing Board, I would like to thank T-Mobile for providing 226 smart tablets for families served by Mobile Housing Board (MHB),” said MHB Chair Kimberly Williams Pettway. “We owe an even bigger debt of gratitude to the Mobile County Commission for providing the $30,000 cash contribution that Mobile Housing Board was required to obtain from a local government entity when the agency applied for two Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants,” Pettway said.

“Choice Neighborhoods planning includes identifying ways to revitalize neighborhoods by improving quality of life for families,” Pettway said. “Access to computers and the internet is virtually a requirement for many aspects of life today. We are delighted that families who relocated from Roger Williams Homes and families with elementary school-age children in Thomas James Place are receiving smart tablets through this partnership."

“This program is designed to improve access to high quality education programs to improve academic outcomes for children in these families,” Commissioner Ludgood explained.

According to Beagle, T-Mobile is committed to the Connect Home initiative started by the Obama Administration and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. T-Mobile has presented approximately 10,000 tablets and high-speed internet access to families in need at housing authorities across the nation. They plan to further expand the program in 2017.

MPL Director R. Scott Kinney said one of the services that MPL offers is various types of computer training. “Therefore, the MPL staff is pleased to teach Mobile Housing Board residents how to use their new smart tablets at training sessions that are being held this week at the Ben May Library downtown and at other branches of the Library as needed,” Kinney said.

MCPSS Superintendent Martha Peek said, “Keeping children connected is crucial for their education. Too many children lose access to the internet when the school day ends, which limits their ability to complete homework and communicate with teachers. We are thrilled to be part of the ConnectHome partnership that is helping to fill that void,” Mrs. Peek said.

Seniors Represent MHB, Win Medals at State Games

Mobile Housing Board Chair Kimberly Williams Pettway is pictured with MHB residents who won gold medals in their respective age divisions at the State Masters Games in Trussville, Alabama in mid-October 2016.
Twelve Senior residents of the Mobile Housing Board participated in the annual State Masters Games in Trussville, Ala. in October 2016. Each of the 12 won at least one medal at the Games.

Above, Mobile Housing Board Chair Kimberly Williams Pettway is pictured with MHB residents who won gold medals in their respective age divisions at the State Masters Games in Trussville, Alabama in mid-October 2016. They are (from left to right) Gretchen Carter, who won gold medals in the 5K Run and Softball Throw; Ethel Griff, 5K Run; Ms. Pettway; Lonnie Robinson, Frisbee Throw; Stella Burgin, Checkers; and Johnetta Wilson, Billiards. These individuals and seven other MHB residents won silver and bronze medals for their performance in other games.

Two MHB residents – gold medalists Gretchen Carter and Ethel Griff – were recognized for their best overall performance in the Softball Throw and 5K Run, respectively.

Other MHB residents who won gold medalists in their respective age groups are Gretchen Carter, 5K Run; Lonnie Robinson, Frisbee Throw; Stella Burgin, Checkers; and Johnetta Wilson, Billiards.

Between 600 and 800 Seniors participate in the annual Games. They qualified at district contests in order to advance to the State Masters Games.

The following MHB residents won silver medals: Ms. Carter, Nerf Ball Throw; Jessie Thomas, Billiards; and Willie Bryant, Billiards and Shuffle Board.

In addition, these residents won bronze medals: Ms. Griff, Nerf Ball Throw; and Willie Bryant, Softball Throw

All of the above winners won medals for completing a two-mile walk, along with Mack Green, Alex Irby, Marion Jensen, Teresa Kirkpatrick and Brazil Simon.

Local and district games are sponsored by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and Area Agency on Aging. MHB’s Community Services Department encourages the agency’s Senior residents to participate and transports them to the local and district contests.

Masters Games of Alabama is an all-volunteer organization that is divided into nine districts. The organization encourages Seniors to get out and get active. It gives Seniors something to strive for and something to look forward to. “It brings needed fun, recreation and activity into their lives,” according to the organization’s website (www.mastergamesalabama.org).
 
 

Neighborhood Draft Plans Available for Review

Mobile Housing Board received two (2) Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant awards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in January 2015. Draft Plans for the Roger Williams Homes/Three Mile Trace Choice Neighborhood and the Thomas James Place/Southside Choice Neighborhoods are available at the links below for the public’s review and input.

Roger WIlliams Homes / Three Mile Trace Redevelopment Plan, DRAFT submitted November 2016
Southside Neithborhoods - Resurgence of a Legacy: Southside Rising, DRAFT submitted November 2016

More information about the planning process is available at www.threemiletrace.com and www.southsidechoice.com.

The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative is designed to take distressed neighborhoods and transform them by building upon their assets. A Choice Neighborhoods transformation must include three components: Housing, People and Neighborhoods. Ideally, Choice Housing is mixed-income, energy efficient, architecturally and aesthetically appealing, and financially sustainable. People in Choice Neighborhoods have the supportive services they need and they have access to quality schools, job opportunities, and health care facilities within the context of safe inclusive communities. Choice Neighborhoods are attractive mixed-income areas that include quality schools and early learning centers, as well as access to employment and good transportation systems. Mobile Housing Board is grateful for the input it received from the many MHB residents, residents of the broader communities, and community partners who participated in the two-year planning process.

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