CH+R Releases uses CARES Act funds to enable remote learning

City Kids Get the Help They Need to Succeed
Concord Housing + Redevelopment (CH+R) puts CARES Act funds to good use to help city students struggling with access to remote learning.  CH+R has established a new Education Center within its Community Center to ensure children in their housing programs are not left behind because Concord schools have gone to virtual learning.

Students from Jennings Drive and Liberty Street families have no Internet access and would not be able to participate in the online learning program. Concord Housing + Redevelopment went to great lengths to make sure these families were not left behind. Their first step required wiring the Community Center building for Internet service. CH+R then used additional CARES Act funds to purchase computers, printers, school supplies, and cubicles for distancing within the Center.

John Hoyt, Concord Housing + Redevelopment Executive Director, allocated CARES Act funds to pay Merrimack Valley Day Care Service to be onsite at the Education Center. “They bring the kids together with adults who can assist with school work, projects, and other assignments throughout the school day,” says Hoyt.

“These are complicated times for school-aged children – especially those who may have a difficult time accessing consistent Internet service or virtual learning. Sometimes kids have a parent who simply cannot offer support during the remote school process. We are so happy to work with Concord Housing to offer this program to the kids. Concord Housing should be applauded for their commitment to making sure that all children have the help they need to prosper educationally, even during these unprecedented times,” said Marianne Barter, Executive Director of Merrimack Valley Day Care Service.