On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), in partnership with the Queens Public Library (QPL), announced the expansion of Neighborhood Tech Help, an innovative, in-person program designed to help New Yorkers build confidence using technology.  

The announcement, which came during a launch celebration at the JASA Roy Reuther Older Adult Center in Far Rockaway, fell during Digital Inclusion Week, “an annual nationwide event dedicated to raising awareness about digital equity and the vital importance of inclusion in our increasingly digital world.” The expanded Neighborhood Tech Help (NTH) pilot program offers one-on-one support for Section 8 tenants at select affordable housing developments and older adult centers, where participants learn how to avoid digital scams, connect with family, friends, and others, navigate online social services, recover passwords, find reliable health information, access low-cost internet service, and more.  

L to R: Acting HPD Commissioner Ahmed Tigani, JASA Program Director Fran Simon, QPL Digital Inclusion Site Coordinator Lydia Neely, and QPL Programs and Services Vice President Sharon Myrie.

NTH, launched earlier this year in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library and the New York Public Library, along with QPL, responds to needs most recently highlighted in

The State of Older New Yorkers builds on the city’s broader efforts to close the digital divide, as outlined in the NYC Digital Equity Roadmap.

Early data from Brooklyn Public Library’s launch of NTH has revealed that 33% of the program’s first 2000 clients were served at older adult centers. Older New Yorkers sought support on topics including adjusting smartphone settings and languages, reviewing online bills and bank statements, and using WhatsApp and other messaging apps. 

In addition to the JASA center at 7-11 Seagirt Ave # 2N in Far Rockaway, QPL’s three additional sites include the Far Rockaway Library, located 16-37 Central Ave., as well as the Central Library and The Mieles supportive housing residential building, both located in Jamaica. Collectively, the four sites have provided assistance to nearly 400 individuals since they opened this past summer. Each offers limited hours at least once a week.

The launch celebration took place last week at the JASA Roy Reuther Older Adult Center in Far Rockaway.

“At HPD, we understand that to thrive in today’s age means to have access to technology. And that means having the skills and confidence to use that technology. It is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity,” Acting HPD Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said in a statement. “We joined the Queens Public Library at the JASA Older Adult Center in Far Rockaway, Queens, for National Digital Inclusion Week to celebrate HPD’s expanded Neighborhood Tech Help to help provide more resources and bridge the digital divide. The expansion of Neighborhood Tech Help emphasizes our commitment to ensuring that all New Yorkers, especially those in affordable housing, have access to the digital tools and skills they need to navigate today’s world. We are incredibly proud of this program and look forward to seeing more and more New Yorkers participate and grow their digital literacy.”

“Neighborhood Tech Help brings the Library closer to our communities, providing one-on-one support to help people thrive in a world where basic tech skills are essential,” added Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “The program is also an opportunity to introduce participants to the Library’s wide range of services, resources, and programs. We are proud to partner with HPD as we continue our work to close the digital divide.”

New Yorkers can find participating Neighborhood Tech Help sites at nyc.gov/TechHelp or by calling 311.