Jamie Robbins
Jun 10, 2025
The King County Housing Authority (KCHA) supports rental housing and assistance for more than 50,000 people across King County. KCHA believes that every person, regardless of age, background, income, or experience, should have the tools they need to actively engage in the economy, society, and democracy, including:
Affordable high-speed internet;
Affordable computers, laptops, and devices; and
Opportunities to learn practical skills.
Through ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA), a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), KCHA developed a digital equity and inclusion pilot program at six public housing communities in the City of Auburn. The program serves nearly 300 households, including seniors and families with children.
During the summer of 2025, pilot program staff will be collecting information about the digital equity needs of the people in these communities. Instead of a traditional survey, KCHA will host participatory workshops at each community, in partnership with Radical Possibilities, a Black- and woman-owned research group. Workshop activities include art stations, group and individual sharing and storytelling, food and music, and performances by community artists.
The interactive workshop format allows all residents to participate and contribute, including those with limited literacy or English language knowledge. Qualitative data gathered during the workshops will be analyzed and shared back to the communities later in the year. The findings will be used by KCHA and residents to co-design new digital equity opportunities for the pilot program communities.
If you would like to learn more about the workshop design, or attend an event, contact Jamie Robbins at JamieR@KCHA.org.