On Friday, February 12 local nonprofits, service agencies, churches, and government agencies will come together at the Buck Melton Center (150 Sessions Drive) from 12:00-1:30 p.m. for the 2nd ConnectHome Partners & Stakeholders Convening. During that time, they will hear an update on Macon-Bibb’s participation in President Barack Obama’s ConnectHome initiative and how they can assist. A report of the ongoing efforts, present challenges discovered, possible solutions to those challenges, and additional ways to reach people in the community will be discussed.
 
In Macon-Bibb, Cox Communications offers qualified families of MBCHA public housing developments high-speed home Internet at $9.95 per month as part of its Connect2Compete program, which was successfully implemented several years ago. Cox is also partnering with the national digital inclusion nonprofit EveryoneOn to offer new Connect2Compete customers $30 tablet devices with keyboards, educational content, and wireless routers. Additionally, Quality Computers offers refurbished tablets, laptops, printers, and more at very affordable rates. Several organizations and churches have pledged to raise the funds to purchase computer devices for the people they work with to make it easier for them to access the program.