The St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) recently retained St. Louis-based Gaia Green Earth, LLC (Gaia) to create a Public/Private LTE Network for the Agency. The LTE Network will specifically provide free Wi-Fi to approximately 1,200 families living in public housing during the first phase of deployment.
“When residents have the ability to cross the digital divide, educational, health and other social outcomes improve. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlights the critical need for resident access to the Internet at home.”
Alana Green, Executive Director of the St. Louis Housing Authority
“The initial investment in Internet infrastructure through the CARES Act funding will allow SLHA to provide residents with long term access to free WiFi,” said Green. Through the use of CARES Act funding awarded to SLHA, phase one will be implemented over the next six to eight weeks and will provide free WiFi to families residing at the following SLHA developments:
- Clinton-Peabody Apartments
- Euclid Plaza Apartments
- LaSalle Park Apartments
- Les Chateaux Apartments
- King Louis Apartments
- Parkview Apartments
- West Pine Apartments
The second phase will focus on fundraising and expansion of the program to the remaining SLHA public housing units. Through the unique partnership, Gaia will provide access to its network of impact investors and fundraise in collaboration with SLHA. Gaia will also provide 40 tablets for distribution during the first phase and will help fundraise for additional tablets and laptops.
“Gaia is excited to transform communities by connecting families to essential services they need for quality of life. Connectivity is the cornerstone of future digital transformation.”
Daniel Gould, Gaia CEO and Founder
About The St. Louis Housing Authority
The St. Louis Housing (SLHA) is a municipal corporation created by state statute, formed in 1939. Its mission is to provide diverse housing opportunities and to enhance the quality of life of the families served. SLHA is funded primarily by federal sources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).