Phoenix expands Housing Connect program with devices, free in-home internet and local hives
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Summary
City housing officials told the subcommittee the Phoenix Housing Connect program has distributed more than 3,600 devices, secured nearly $8,000,000 in federal funding and worked with partners including Cox and T‑Mobile to provide free tenant internet at 33 sites and local "hives" for training and navigation.
Assistant Housing Director Aubrey Gonzalez told the Community Services and Education Subcommittee that Phoenix Housing Connect — launched in May 2020 after the city joined HUD’s ConnectHome initiative — combines device access, in-home connectivity and training to close the digital divide for residents in public and affordable housing.
Gonzalez said the program has secured nearly $8,000,000 in federal funding and leveraged more than $2,000,000 in partner contributions from nonprofits and corporate collaborators for devices, staffing and training. Deputy Housing Director Angela Duncan described the program’s three components — affordable internet, accessible devices and digital skills training — and said those elements are all required for meaningful participation.
Duncan reported the program has distributed over 3,600 devices (tablets, Chromebooks and laptops), including 1,600 devices provided through a partnership with T‑Mobile during the pandemic and about 2,000 additional devices through a CompuDOT partnership. She said Cox Communications provides free in-home internet service to tenants at 33 city-owned affordable and senior housing sites.
Housing manager Courtney Anderson described two "hives" — on-site digital learning centers located at the Emmett McLaughlin Community Training and Education Center and the Arrowterra Community Center — that offer one-on-one navigator help, tech camps and access to advanced equipment. Between August and November 2025, Anderson said the hives recorded 1,631 visits. Anderson highlighted that 66% of households receiving free internet initially lacked someone in the home to assist with technology, and that navigator support is designed to fill that gap.
Program staff shared early outcome data: 44% of families reported improved grades after receiving home internet; 34% of households used connectivity to apply for benefits or housing assistance; and participating households save an estimated $360–$720 per year in avoided internet costs. Gonzalez told the subcommittee the city plans to connect more than 580 additional units in Edison Eastlake in 2025 and will expand senior-focused digital literacy programs at six senior housing sites.
Council members and the chair thanked housing staff for the work; multiple members called the hives a model for digital inclusion. The presentation concluded with staff inviting follow-up questions and offering to share further data through future reports.
