Katrina or Rita Evacuees (NEG) Program

Dallas-based Business Access has been contracted by WorkSource for Dallas County to provide job training and placement assistance to Hurricane Katrina/Rita evacuees through our "In-Home Learning System." Eligible participants will receive a new computer, ISP services, and access to an online learning community built specifically for people displaced by the storms.

Participants can take the system with them, whether they remain in the North Texas area or choose to relocate elsewhere. ISP services can be provided in any location in the continental United States. Once a participant has obtained a job and worked in it for 60 days, he or she earns ownership of the computer.

To qualify for the In-Home program, applicants must attest that they:

• are displaced by Katrina/Rita;
• are seeking employment;
• have a high school diploma or better;
• have a work history;
• have basic computer skills: low level skills are okay;
• believe their job search efforts would be helped by having a computer, Internet, e-mail and access to online training;
• have a phone line that can be used for Internet;
• have filled out an application in WorkinTexas.com that self-attests that they are evacuees. (This can be done over the Internet.)

Successful applicants will receive:

• a new computer;
• up to 12 months of ISP services;
• Help Desk support;
• Access to the "Moving On" online community;
• Online training library of more than 1,000 courses;
• Extensive resources including government benefits locator;
• Resume preparation and distribution system;
• Job search resources, training, and support;
• Chats, BBS, instant messaging and other peer support;
• TAKS test preparation for kids