Ten years ago, 25 percent of Americans used computers on the job. Today, that number has more than doubled. Individuals with skills ranging from basic keyboarding to sophisticated troubleshooting can now compete for higher-paying positions. Meanwhile, communities with technologically savvy workforces have an edge in attracting and retaining business.

These are among the reasons why society must bring technological know-how to everyone, says Rose McBee, resident services coordinator at Mohawk Forest in North Adams, Massachusetts.

Mohawk Forest, a 190-unit affordable rental development, opened more than 20 years ago. However, it recently added a computer center with six Internet-ready machines as part of a $9.8 million renovation and expansion. The improvements were partly funded by a $250,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, applied for by member Hoosac Savings on behalf of The Caleb Foundation.

Many resident children who once had access to computers only at school now visit Mohawk's center to research papers and lay out class presentations. In addition to using the computers to further their studies, youngsters use them to surf the Internet and hone their skills through games.

"Some of the [children's] parents have commented on how much their kids' grades have improved, and that's convinced me that the computer center is worthwhile," says Ms. McBee.

While the North Adams school system provides tutors to help children at the center, Mohawk Forest has hired a college student to help adult residents take advantage of the technology, too.

"Some of our older residents had never touched a computer before we built the center," says Ms. McBee. Now, they are writing resumes, searching online job listings and college classes, and mastering popular desktop-publishing programs.

More opportunities for residents may be just around the corner. A recent influx of dot-com companies to the northwest corner of Massachusetts means more career opportunities for people who live in North Adams. "People always had to leave the area to find jobs. Now, they may be able to stay," says Ms. McBee.

Mohawk Forest is just one initiative incorporating computers that has received Bank funding.

In Manchester, New Hampshire, each of the Phoenix Apartments' 14 units will provide its residents with a PC and Internet service, thanks to project sponsor, Manchester Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (MNHS).

"We hope the computers will enhance children's education and help parents search for jobs," says Scott Cornett, senior project manager at MNHS.

MNHS hopes the technology will also serve to foster friendships and constant communication among residents. To accomplish that, each household will be asked to designate a liaison to contribute news, announcements, and other pertinent information to a monthly online newsletter.

Construction will begin next spring, with occupancy expected by the end of 2001. Phoenix will bring to 99 the number of units wired by MNHS through three different affordable-housing initiatives, says Mr. Cornett. In exchange for a fee built into their rent, residents receive use of the equipment, Internet service, and training.

Member Centrix Bank and Trust in Manchester, New Hampshire underwrote the initiative's successful application for a $112,000 AHP grant. Centrix will also provide a $1.1 million construction loan and $120,000 in permanent financing.

In Belfast, Maine, plans are well underway for Bay Head Apartments, a 28-unit townhouse development that will include a computer center with several PCs equipped for high-speed Internet access. Very low- and low-income residents who want to polish their skills or enter technology fields will soon have the chance, courtesy of Bangor-based Penquis Community Action Program, Inc.

Member Bangor Savings Bank helped Penquis win a $220,000 grant toward acquisition costs in Round One of the 2000 AHP. Bangor Savings will also provide a $2.2 million construction loan.

According to the Digital Divide Network, a nonprofit group that brings technology to under-served populations, economic status largely separates the technology "haves" from the "have-nots." The network reports that roughly 80 percent of U.S. households earning more than $75,000 per year own computers. Of families earning less than $35,000 per year, one in three own computers; that number dips to one in five when incomes drop below $15,000.

Although income mainly determines who will keep abreast of changing technology, studies show that people across all economic sectors use computers for similar reasons: communication, information, shopping, and entertainment. While the good news is that urban and rural Americans of all ethnic groups are more connected than ever, the digital divide persists among income, racial, and geographic lines.

This article appeared originally in the Bank's Tools for Housing and Community Economic Development, Issue 15, Fall 2000.