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Choctaw Nation Housing Authority receives award for Connect Home program

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From left to right: HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Housing Investments Marianne Nazzaro, CNO Operations Director KC Wood, CNO Connect Home Field Technician Tony Wesley, and CNO Connect Home Program Manager Josh Raper. Photo credit: Choctaw Nation.

Choctaw Nation

DURANT — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) presented the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Housing Authority (HACNO) Connect Home program with the Trailblazer Award at its annual ConnectHomeUSA Summit. The Trailblazer Award recognizes communities with exceptional commitment to ensuring that all people and communities have the skills and technology needed to benefit from a digital economy. HACNO was one of two organizations to receive this award.

HACNO’s Connect Home was launched in 2015 to address the digital divide faced by residents on rural reservations. The program offers internet access, devices, and digital literacy training to individuals in over 1,000 properties, including those within its lease-to-own program, Affordable Rentals, and Independent Elder homes. In January 2025, the program was expanded to include Choctaw Nation employees. 

“Connect Home is honored to be recognized by HUD for our success in expanding internet access within our reservation communities.” said Josh Raper, HACNO’s Connect Home Program Manager. “Our program is dedicated to providing residents with essential resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. This award is a testament to our dedicated team and the strong partnerships we have developed with our Internet Service Providers and HUD partners,” said Raper. 

Connect Home will continue to expand its efforts to link tribal members, employees, and communities on the reservation, in line with Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton’s 2020-2025 strategic plan emphasizing broadband implementation and expansion. 

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