Residents at a low-income housing development in Stowe now have free wireless access to websites designed to help them in job-hunting and education efforts.

California-based Tropos Networks is providing the broadband service as one element in an Allegheny County Housing Authority employment development effort.

The program is being funded with an $85,000 federal Hope Six grant. The grant also provided money for 75 laptop computers for residents and for security cameras designed to discourage crime in Pleasant Ridge.

The neighborhood comprises 181 rented townhouse units and 15 owner-occupied, three-bedroom single-family homes. It had been known for many years as Ohio View Acres but was renamed when it was renovated in 2006.

Pleasant Ridge residents had to participate in a training program to qualify for the laptops, according to Ed Primm, senior project manager of real estate for the county housing authority.

The wireless network installed by Tropos limits the kinds of Internet searches residents can do. "They can go to websites that offer employment opportunities or that offer educational information," Mr. Primm said. "They can't browse ESPN or do online shopping."

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