HOMEtown Survives Funding Cut

When Conservative government cost cutting killed an
expected $492,000 grant, the HOMEtown Community
Network had to become self sufficient immediately,
instead of using the full three years spelled out
in its business plan. 
"We had to increase membership and withdraw the
1-800 service. Current returns and projections
indicate HOMEtown can and will survive," explains
Executive Director Larry Dillon.
The grassroots organization was launched last year
to provide universal and affordable access to
communication and information in Huron, Oxford,
Middlesex, Elgin and Perth.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Affairs continues to express support. Local
federations of Agriculture and the Ontario
Federation of Agriculture have helped fund the
project.
"Current membership is 575 and growing rapidly,"
according to Dillon. No data is kept on user's
occupations, but 26 per cent have rural addresses.
Members can still get one hour per day on the
Internet, without graphics display, as well as
e-mail for a very modest $60 annually. 
HOMEtown address on the World Wide Web is: 
http://www.hometown.on.ca - RI  

back