Press Release 1-15-09

For immediate release

TO: News Desk, Assignment Editor

FR: Ron Hardin, Communications Manager

SNAP

2116 E. First Avenue, Spokane WA 99202

509-456-7111 ext.242; hardin@snapwa.org

Cell phone 993-7143

-------------------------------------------------------------

SNAP to Help Seniors with Digital TV Conversion

Seniors 60 years-of-age and older from Spokane County will get help with the conversion to Digital Television thanks to a grant from the National Telecommunication and Information Administration.

SNAP and Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) will collaborate to assist those who anticipate challenges with the switch to Digital TV scheduled to occur on February 17.

The program will help eligible persons apply for coupons to get a TV converter box or obtain the coupons from other sources. SNAP will establish lists of retail outlets for the converter boxes. A limited number of seniors with severe disabilities will be eligible to have their converter box installed.

SNAP will conduct a community campaign to obtain unused coupons for citizens who have received the coupon, but have decided not to buy a converter box. These donated coupons will be given to senior citizens who need the reduced-price coupon to purchase a converter box.

Eligible seniors who would like to get assistance from this program should call one of three SNAP offices located at Downtown (456-7164); Northeast Community Center (487-1114) or East Central Community Center (456-7106).

If you have a coupon to donate to this program, contact SNAP at 456-7111. Details will be provided on where to mail the unused coupon.

This program is being administered by SNAP’s Minor Home Repair Program. SNAP will not be selling converter boxes.

-END-

About SNAP: SNAP connects and provides access to resources which creates opportunities, with dignity, for low income people.