Senior housing complex in Chicopee to get upgraded high speed internet through state program for public and affordable housing
Aervivo will provide internet access to 50 apartments under the Residential Retrofit Program
Chicopee, MA - Congressman Richard Neal (MA-1) joined with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute) (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), and Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) to celebrate the delivery of high-speed internet access to Dom Narodowy Polski Apartments, a senior affordable living community in downtown Chicopee.
The upgrades were provided through MBI’s Residential Retrofit Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund (CPF) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). MBI has committed over $74 million in Residential Retrofit Program grants to internet service providers throughout the state.
The goal of the Residential Retrofit Program is to address decades old wiring and infrastructure and deploy fiberoptic cabling to residential units. Improved infrastructure and enhanced connectivity will enable residents to engage in essential daily activities such as working remotely, pursuing educational opportunities, and accessing telehealth.
Households in 13 municipalities are currently participating in the Residential Retrofit Program. Aervivo Inc. will offer income-eligible broadband plans to residents of Dom Polski of at least 100mbps/100mbps and up to 1,000/1,000mbps. Through this award, Aervivo will also provide laptop devices and will partner with Tech Foundry to provide digital skills training to the senior residents.
The Residential Retrofit Program is transforming public and affordable housing in more than 100 municipalities, impacting over 33,000 homes. POAH is covering the cost of the internet for residents, so all 50 households will have access to free, high-speed internet.
“Five years after becoming law, we are still talking about the American Rescue Plan. Having authored much of this legislation during my time as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, I take great satisfaction in seeing communities throughout western and central Massachusetts continuing to reap the benefits of our historic legislative achievements,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “Whether it be for medical appointments or staying connected with loved ones, having access to reliable internet is critical for our seniors. This announcement is a reminder of the notion that legislation changes lives, and I am grateful to MassTech and POAH for using these funds to bring this project to fruition."
"MBI’s investment in infrastructure upgrades at Dom Narodowy Polski Apartments is providing residents with the resources needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world," said MBI Director Michael Baldino.
“POAH is very grateful for these broadband upgrades that will allow our senior residents to stay connected to the world around them,” said POAH President/CEO Aaron Gornstein. “This internet access will help residents stay socially connected and access services remotely such as educational opportunities and telehealth appointments.”
MBI's Residential Retrofit Program launched in February 2024 and has since awarded $74 million to deliver internet to more than 33,000 public and affordable housing units across Massachusetts. Funding for the Residential Retrofit Program comes from the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund through the American Rescue Plan Act.
About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI)
The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), works to connect people, communities and organizations to quality, high-speed internet. To achieve this, MBI administers funding to expand and upgrade broadband infrastructure and tackle barriers to internet adoption so that every resident in Massachusetts can fully participate in today’s economy and the modern world.
About POAH
Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) is a nonprofit developer, owner, and operator of more than 14,000 affordable homes in 13 states and the District of Columbia. POAH’s mission is to preserve, create, and sustain affordable, healthy homes that support economic security and access to opportunity for all.