Q&A with Samantha Meyer, Associate Director of Real Estate Development, Eden Housing

As part of its new Broadband Grants Community Impact Series, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is highlighting organizations that are using broadband grants to create meaningful changes in their communities. Reliable internet access is essential for everyday life, but for many Californians it remains out of reach. 

Through its broadband grant programs, the CPUC is working to close the digital divide by expanding broadband access, improving affordability, and connecting communities to the online resources they need to thrive. While these investments help build infrastructure and expand service, their true impact is measured by the opportunities they create for the people and communities they serve.

In this Q&A, Samantha Meyer, Associate Director of Real Estate Development at Eden Housing, discusses how a CPUC California Advanced Services Fund Broadband Public Housing Account Infrastructure Grant is helping residents at Blue Oak Landing in Vallejo, Calif., access free internet service, removing barriers to opportunity and supporting individuals and families as they transition into stable housing.

Can you briefly describe your organization and the broadband project you are implementing with support from a CPUC grant?

Eden Housing is a nonprofit organization with more than 55 years of experience providing safe and affordable housing that helps families stay secure, allows communities to thrive, and solves many of the most pressing housing challenges facing California cities. Since its inception, the Bay Area-based organization has developed more than 10,000 affordable homes and is a leader in making its residential communities environmentally sustainable and efficient through integrating energy conservation. Our project, Blue Oak Landing, provides 74 affordable homes for individuals and families exiting homelessness. We received a CPUC grant to provide internet connectivity to all residents.

What community needs or challenges led your organization to pursue this broadband project?

For many residents, reliable internet access has been out of reach financially. Thanks to this grant, every household received free internet service upon move-in, helping residents access essential services.

Many households transitioning out of homelessness lack the financial resources, credit history or technical capacity to establish internet service as they move into housing. Providing free internet removed a significant barrier during that transition, ensuring residents could immediately access essential services without having to search for a place to connect. 

How is this project improving connectivity or digital access for people in your community?

Internet access is an essential utility in today’s world, yet it remains out of reach for many low-income households. This grant enabled us to provide free internet service to all residents, ensuring they have reliable access to the online resources they need without the burden of cost.

What does reliable internet access mean for the long-term future of your community? 

Transitioning out of homelessness is a difficult process, and many of the services residents rely on are now accessed online. After often spending years without stable housing, and in many cases without consistent internet access, this grant removes a significant barrier to success. Residents can apply for and maintain benefits, search for jobs, access healthcare, and connect with supportive services. Children can complete homework and use online educational resources, while families can more easily stay connected with friends, loved ones, and other support networks.