Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Neighborhood Networks?
Launched in 1995 by the HUD Office of Multifamily Housing Programs, Neighborhood Networks was one of the first federal initiatives to promote self-sufficiency and help provide computer access to FHA-insured and -assisted housing communities. To accomplish these goals, the community-based Initiative encourages property owners and managers to establish multiservice community learning centers that bring digital opportunity and lifelong learning to residents living in multifamily-insured and/or -assisted housing.

Today, there are approximately 1,500 Neighborhood Networks centers operating in HUD multifamily-insured and -assisted housing communities located in all 50 of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Why Neighborhood Networks? Why now?

In today's technology-driven world, it is imperative that jobseekers possess the skills employers require. From adult education and computer skills classes to job-readiness and job-preparation programs, Neighborhood Networks centers help residents living in HUD FHA-insured and -assisted housing communities obtain the skills needed to succeed in today's marketplace. By providing residents with convenient access to computer technology and offering a variety of workforce development programs, Neighborhood Networks centers are connecting residents with opportunities.

In addition, centers help residents overcome the barriers to employment, such as securing safe and reliable childcare and transportation, so they can focus on achieving professional success.

Is there a typical Neighborhood Networks center?

No two Neighborhood Networks centers are alike. Residents, center staff, property owners and managers, and partners work together to create a customized curriculum that meets the specific needs of residents. Centers might offer computer training, Internet access, job-readiness support, microenterprise development, general educational development (GED) certification, healthcare and social services, adult education classes, youth services, and more.

What is the goal of Neighborhood Networks?

The Neighborhood Networks mission is to help ensure that all Americans-regardless of age, income, race, ethnicity, disability, or geography-gain access to the technological tools and skills needed in the digital economy. As the program expands, the vision for creating economic opportunity and lifelong learning is becoming a reality for many families and individuals nationwide.

Who are the partners that support Neighborhood Networks?

Local and national businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, civic organizations, foundations, hospitals, community clinics, and federal and state government agencies, among others, are joining forces with residents and property owners of HUD housing to develop and expand Neighborhood Networks centers across the country.

What are the benefits of Neighborhood Networks centers?

The benefits of a Neighborhood Networks center are far-reaching. Adults gain access to onsite programs and services that provide job skills, education, and supportive services, fostering healthier, self-sufficient families. Children and youth are given an environment that promotes academic achievement. Seniors gain access to health programs and services, computer training, and activities that help them remain productive and maintain their quality of life and self-sufficiency. Residents with disabilities gain access to equipment, products, and software that incorporate assistive technology. Property owners and managers often realize a return on their investment as a Neighborhood Networks center makes a property more attractive to both potential and existing residents and decreases security and upkeep costs. Partners connect with the community whose support is critical to their success and increase awareness of their organizations within the community. And, communities benefit by the creation of a positive force that connects residents and community members to greater opportunities.

How is Neighborhood Networks different from other government programs?

Neighborhood Networks is not a federal grant program. The Initiative encourages centers to be self-sustaining through partnerships, business opportunities, and other income-generating options. It is an innovative, community-based approach to housing and community development. Neighborhood Networks encourages residents to become involved in the actual planning and development of self-sustaining centers.

What is HUD's role?

HUD works behind the scenes to encourage creation and expansion of Neighborhood Networks centers across the country. HUD staff may help guide communities through the Neighborhood Networks center development process, from business plan to grand opening to program expansion. HUD also provides information and networking opportunities for participants to learn how to develop a center, contact potential partners, and draw upon the experiences and successful practices of existing centers. HUD also may provide limited assistance to help launch the centers.

How are centers funded?

Neighborhood Networks centers rely primarily on local support. The Initiative encourages partnership development, business opportunities, and other income-generating activities. To help support and sustain a center, funding can be obtained in various ways, including:

	HUD funding, including residual receipts account, owner's equity, funds borrowed from the Reserve for Replacement Account, rent increases, special rent adjustments, and excess income.
	Private and corporate contributions.
	User fees, such as membership fees, class fees, and public access fees.
	Business development, including outsourcing, small business support, self-employment, and entrepreneurship.
	Fundraising events.
	In-kind contributions, such as computer hardware and software, space, volunteer supervisors and teachers, clerical assistance, and accounting services.

What kinds of jobs have residents found using Neighborhood Networks centers?

Resident achievement varies nationwide. Many centers, however, report significant numbers of residents who have landed jobs, moved from welfare to work, and improved their quality of life. Examples of jobs obtained by residents using Neighborhood Network centers include clerical, healthcare, retail, insurance, and manufacturing positions.

How are centers staffed?

Neighborhood Networks centers are staffed by a variety of full- or part-time professional staff and volunteers. These individuals are responsible for center administration and management, computer training and education, and program development. HUD has recommended that centers have at least one coordinator to provide expertise in computer training, technical skills, and resident community outreach programs.

For more information, contact:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Neighborhood Networks
P.O. Box 1127
Silver Spring, MD 20910-1127

or call us at (888) 312-2743.