Tennessee
Computers for Homebound and Isolated Persons
Type of Grant: TOP
Amount of Grant: $524,838
Non-Federal Support: $570,256
Date of Grant: October 1998-June 2002
Project Partners: Knoxville-Oak Ridge Network (KORRnet), City of Oak Ridge, City of Knoxville, Knox County, Knoxville Utilities Board, University of Tennessee, Covenant Health, Office on Aging, East Tennessee Technology Access Center, First American National Bank
Contact: David Massey
Phone: (856) 215-5990
Email: dmassey@korrnet.org
People who are homebound often feel a great sense of isolation. To address this issue, the Computers for Homebound and Isolated Persons (CHIPS) was established with the help of a TOP grant to provide training and equipment for homebound persons to use the Internet. Through CHIPS services, clients are able to connect with people and Web-based resources, contribute their talents and skills to others, and assert more control over their lives.
Barbara Hendrix has rheumatoid arthritis that keeps her homebound. A self-described "people person," being forced to stay at home made Barbara depressed and lonely. With the help of a CHIP mentor and equipment, Barbara is now using the Internet to communicate with others who are also homebound and face similar issues. She says that her online community has become "...like a family and we have made some very special friends. It has been a very rewarding experience that has given me more confidence."
CHIPS participants range in age from 21-90, with an average age of 56. They receive a free computer and free Internet access for six months, during which they are trained by a volunteer mentor and make periodic email reports on their progress. After six months, participants are allowed to keep their computer but if possible, are asked to pay for their Internet connection. In 2000, CHIPS received the prestigious Stockholm Challenge Award that focuses on the positive effects of today's information society, and the benefits information and communication technology can bring to people and society.
