North New Castle News

Federal Affordable Connectivity Program offers eligible households $30-a-month discount toward internet service; sign-up sessions continue in July

Mayor Mike Purzycki encourages eligible City residents and families to sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households a monthly discount of up to $30 on their internet bill. The City of Wilmington, in partnership with Governor John Carney and with mobilization assistance from the Wilmington Community Advisory Council (WCAC), has begun promoting a new effort to close the “Digital Divide” in Delaware in the City as part of a statewide initiative announced March 20 by Governor Carney and municipal leaders across the state. The ACP also offers a one-time $100 discount toward a connected laptop, desktop computer, or tablet through a participating service provider.

The schedule for sign-up sessions in July is:

• Where: Ezion Fair Community Center, 1400 B Street
• When:  Saturday, July 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.  (Family Sneaker Ball Party)
• Where: Jefferson Street Center, 1801 North Jefferson Street
• When:  Thursday, July 6, 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (Food Pantry) 
• Where: Woodlawn Library, 2020 West 9th Street
• When:  Tuesday, July 11, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.  
• Where: William “Hicks” Anderson Center, 501 North Madison Street
• When:  Saturday, July 15, 10 p.m. – 2 p.m. (Community Day)
• Where: Wilmington Police Athletic League, 3707 North Market Street
• When:  Monday, July 17, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Duffy’s Hope Basketball Tourney) 
• Where: Safe United Neighborhoods (SUN) Food/ Clothing Giveaway, SUN Park @ East 22nd & Lamotte Street
• When:  Thursday, July 20, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Where: MSK Community Center, 1009 Sycamore Street
• When:  Tuesday, July 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  (ACP Workshop)
• Where: Central Baptist CDC, 839 North Pine Street
• When:  Wednesday, July 26, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Chat & Chew)

A household is eligible if one member meets at least one of the criteria below: 

• Has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines;
• Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
• Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; 
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program; or
• Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard), Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. 

“High-speed internet is absolutely essential in today’s world,” said Mayor Purzycki. “It allows people to work remotely, send their children to school, and access healthcare, job training, and critical government services. We are committed to closing the affordability gap in Wilmington – which is concentrated in our underserved communities and disproportionately impacts people of color – so that every resident has equal access to the opportunities of the digital age.” Prior to attending a sign-up session, City residents and families are urged to visit GetACP.org/Delaware, EducationSuperHighway’s pre-enrollment tool to see if they qualify, what documents they will need at the time of application, and to see a list of “free with ACP” home internet plans. Please share the English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole language flyers that appear on the following pages and urge your relatives and friends to see if they qualify for affordable home internet service.

Original source can be found here.