 In September 2017, THE POINT kicked-off our Free Hunts Point Community Wi-Fi network. Once constructed, the mesh network will provide free Wi-Fi to the community and will provide resilient back-up project in the event of an emergency. Currently the Wi-Fi signal will be broadcasted from ten local businesses along with up to 3 high-rise buildings in Hunts Point.
The project is being executed in partnership with New America Resilient Communities. The Free Hunts Point Community Wi-Fi project along with similar projects happening in Red Hook, East Harlem, Sheepshead Bay and the Gowanus, was recently featured in New York Magazine.
To learn how to become a Digital Stewards contact: Yamil Lora at 718.542.4139 ext 131 or ylora@thepoint.org
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THE POINT CDC SELECTED BY CITI FOUNDATION’S
COMMUNITY PROGRESS MAKERS FUND
TO ACCELERATE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY IN THE BRONX
$500,000 Investment in core operating support will enable THE POINT to address digital equity and climate change by sustaining a community-led, resilient, WiFi network.
The Citi Foundation announced that THE POINT was selected as the recipient of a $500,000 grant as part of the 2018 Community Progress Makers Fund. The Fund is a $20 million, two-year initiative by the Citi Foundation to support high-impact community organizations that are driving economic opportunities in our communities by bringing together residents, nonprofits, businesses, and municipal agencies. THE POINT joins a group of 40 change agents who are playing a key role in coordinating the efforts of multiple partners toward common goals and working in new ways to address urban challenges in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington D.C.
Through the fund, THE POINT will continue to enhance and implement our Free Hunts Point Community Wi-Fi, one of six community Wi-Fi projects funded by the NYC Economic Development Corporations’ RISE competition that identified innovative resiliency technologies to help prepare small businesses for the impacts of climate change. The network is uniquely designed so that nodes, which are commonly placed on top of buildings, can send and receive data and broadcast a free and steady Wi-Fi signal to one another without an internet connection. This allows for a system that is more resilient to future storms and/or utility outages. Addressing the challenge of long-term sustainability for the network, THE POINT will take the next two years to develop a business plan for community ownership and sustainability, we will begin to offer technical support such a marketing and branding to local businesses as well as offer additional skill-building opportunities for our Digital Stewards who will maintain and help expand the network beyond the first phase. For more information on the Free Hunts Point Community Wifi click here.
“We launched this program in 2015 as our version of ‘venture philanthropy’ – a chance to invest in the vision and mission of these organizations who are helping positively transform their communities,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation. “We’re pleased with the results from our inaugural Community Progress Makers and are looking forward to implementing the lessons we’ve learned with this next, impressive group of community leaders as they scale, innovate and drive impact.”
“We are thrilled at the opportunity to sustain and grow the Free Hunts Point Community Wi-Fi network in a community that is challenged by both the digital divide and climate change. We believe that the network will not only address these critical issues, but will also allow us to advance new opportunities to support local business owners and residents through our Digital Stewardship program. We are looking forward to our partnership with the Citi Foundation and are eager to bolster the resiliency of our beautiful community.” Danny R. Peralta, Executive Managing Director, THE POINT CDC
In 2016-2017, the inaugural cohort of Community Progress Makers helped more than 14,700 low-income people secure financial assets; built over 10,500 affordable housing units; strengthened more than 1,100 small businesses; and connected 1,800 young people to jobs in their communities.
Below is a full list of 2018 Community Progress Makers:
Chicago
Cara
Chicago Commons
Elevate Energy
Greater Southwest Development Corporation
North Lawndale Employment Network
Los Angeles
East LA Community Corporation
Homeboy Industries
Koreatown Youth & Community Center
LISC Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
Los Angeles LGBT Center
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Miami
Catalyst Miami
Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF)
The Miami Foundation
United Way of Miami-Dade
Urban League of Broward County
New York City
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations
Center for NYC Neighborhoods
Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation
Green City Force
Hot Bread Kitchen
LISC NYC
Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF)
Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners
Start Small Think Big
The HOPE Program
The POINT Community Development Corporation
WHEDco
San Francisco Bay Area
Enterprise Community Partners Northern CA
Jewish Vocational Service
Main Street Launch
Pacific Community Ventures
San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC)
Social Finance
Washington, D.C.
Building Bridges Across the River
Byte Back
Groundswell
Latino Economic Development Center-LEDC
Mary’s Center
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About THE POINT CDC
THE POINT Community Development Corporation is dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. Celebrating over 20 years of service, THE POINT offers a multi-faceted approach to asset-based community development. Its programming falls within three main headings all aimed at the comprehensive revitalization of the Hunts Point community: Youth Development, Arts and Culture and Community Development. For more information visit www.thepoint.org
About the Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.