What is Neighborhood Networks

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

Neighborhood Networks centers contribute to the lowering of crime, vandalism, and vacancy rates, which result in lower project operating expenses and increase the value of properties insured by the FHA. The enhancement of the general quality of life, increased property value, and overall property improvement make the FHA-insured and -assisted properties more financially stable and marketable, which decreases risk to the FHA Insurance Fund.

Today, there are more than 1,400 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. Approximately 60 HUD Neighborhood Networks Coordinators help implement the Initiative. Coordinators are located in each HUD Field Office and are usually Housing Project Managers who volunteer to take on Neighborhood Networks responsibilities in addition to their assigned duties and responsibilities. Coordinators conduct outreach to property owners and managers to encourage the establishment and maintenance of Neighborhood Networks centers and provide one-on-one technical assistance to centers in their jurisdiction.

About Neighborhood Networks

Created in 1995, Neighborhood Networks was one of the first federal initiatives aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and providing technology access to residents living in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured and -assisted communities. By encouraging property owners and managers to open onsite, multi service technology centers, HUD hoped the community-based Initiative would have a profound effect on the lives of residents…and it has.

Today, there are more than 1,400 Neighborhood Networks centers in all 50 of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These centers:

- Offer adults job-training classes, such as computer skills, resume writing, interviewing techniques, job placement services, General Educational Development (GED) preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
- Provide youth with educational after school activities and mentoring programs.
- Operate programs that allow seniors to become familiar with computers and use them to better their lives, whether through staying in touch with family and friends via e-mail or searching for healthcare benefits online.

While residents are the primary benefactors of a Neighborhood Networks center, property owners/managers, partners, and communities are also enjoying the rewards that go with a Neighborhood Networks center. To learn more about Neighborhood Networks and the benefits Neighborhood Networks centers offer, explore the links provided on this page. Call the Neighborhood Networks Information Center toll-free at (888) 312-2743.


Benefits of Neighborhood Networks

While the mission of Neighborhood Networks is to help residents move toward self-sufficiency, residents are not the only beneficiaries of the Initiative. Residents, property owners and managers, community partners, and the community at large all benefit from the programs and services offered at a Neighborhood Networks center.