Mary Chitwood, founder and executive director of Robin's Home. Butler Eagle File Photo

A handful of military veterans attend a computer class at Robin’s Home in Butler every Thursday, and a new grant received by the female veteran-focused agency could be of help to those clients.

The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania recently awarded Robin’s Home a $10,000 grant to cover the cost of installing Wi-Fi in the homes of veterans. Mary Chitwood, founder and executive director of Robin’s Home, said Tuesday, July 9, that the grant also provides a “guest” network within the agency’s resource center on Main Street in Butler.

Chitwood added that the grant will remove another barrier veterans in transition face when searching for stable living.

“We already have veterans who called and asked if they could get internet installed,” Chitwood said. “This has been a really great addition for us because we have that computer class that about a dozen veterans attend to learn how to use the internet.”

Robin's Home is a nonprofit organization that provides transitional housing and comprehensive support to homeless women veterans and their children by creating a nurturing environment where veterans can rebuild and achieve self-sufficiency.

The grant agreement is for a one-year period, according to Chitwood, but Robin’s Home may apply for funding at the end of the period if demand is great enough for its use.

Robin’s Home helps connect veterans to permanent jobs and housing, and Chitwood said their experience will be enhanced through their learned use and access to the internet.

“This grant from United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania will significantly enhance our ability to serve veterans in Butler County,” Chitwood said, “ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in today's digital world.”