HPD, QPL Celebrate Expansion of ‘Neighborhood Tech Help’ in Queens

October 9, 2025

The pilot program provides in-person support with internet, mobile devices, and computers at affordable housing developments and older adult centers

New service to meet digital literacy needs of low-income New Yorkers builds on lessons learned from decades of computer classes offered at public library branches

Event falls during Digital Inclusion Week 2025

NEW YORK - This morning, 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 falls 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 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.

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 and builds on the City's broader efforts to close the digital divide, as outlined in the NYC Digital Equity Roadmap.

"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," said Acting HPD Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. "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," said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. "The program also is 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."

Need for Tech Help at Older Adult Centers

Despite misperceptions that older adults cannot or do not use technology, they are actually more digitally connected than ever before. However, a lack of basic knowledge and skills still prevents many older New Yorkers from effectively accessing and leveraging technology. NYC Aging recently found, through The State of Older New Yorkers report, that 30% of older adult respondents indicated they do not own or have a computer or tablet and one quarter stated that their need for help with setting up and using technology prevented older New Yorkers from having a device. Cost was also a barrier for nearly one third of older adults without an internet enabled device.

Early data from Brooklyn Public Library's launch of Neighborhood Tech Help has revealed that 33% out of the program's first 2,000 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. QPL operates three other sites in Queens in addition to the JASA center in Far Rockaway: Far Rockaway Library, and 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. For more information about the Queens sites, visit this link.

A Partnership Between Housing and Libraries

This initiative also advances recommendations from the "New" New York Panel in the Making New York Work for Everyone action plan to invest in partnerships with libraries to support remote work across the five boroughs. The recommendations specifically sought to address the lack of broadband at home for New Yorkers from historically marginalized communities of color, among other challenges these populations face. The plan cited the redevelopment of NYPL's Inwood branch as a striking example of how the City, NYPL, and philanthropy can partner on issues ranging from affordable housing, community development, and reducing the digital divide.

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

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