Neighborhood Networks Collaborations

HUD - 040013

Abstract Number: 040013

April 2003

HUD's Neighborhood Networks (NN) initiative establishes multiservice community learning centers that bring computer access and learning to low- and moderate-income residents living in multifamily insured and assisted housing. Nearly 1,200 Neighborhood Networks centers operate on HUD multifamily housing properties throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. At NN centers, residents gain access to onsite programs and services that provide job skills, education, and supportive services, fostering healthier, self-sufficient families. Working adults receive job training, education and support services, and access to services that help them make the successful transition from welfare to work. Children and youth are given an environment that promotes academic achievements. 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.

HUD's Neighborhood Networks initiative provides an excellent opportunity for legal services programs to partner with NN's community technology centers. In doing so, legal services providers can connect their client community with reputable information on civil legal services by ensuring that NN center staff members are knowledgeable of, and can direct individuals who need legal information to, the appropriate statewide web sites. If additional information and/or services are needed, the individual can contact the legal services provider in their area. Potential partnerships may include providing training to NN center staff, distributing statewide website publicity materials at NN centers, and conducting outreach at the centers. In addition, recently launched NN centers or consortia (a group of NN centers) may need assistance in applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Locate a Neighborhood Networks center in your community by visiting NN's online directory: http://www-domino4.hud.gov/NN/contacts.nsf/CenterSearch.

Benefits of establishing a partnership with your local NN center or consortium:

• Ensures that staff members working at popular technology access points are knowledgeable of the legal resources available to their clients and how to access them.
• Enables targeted outreach to a program's client community.

How to establish a partnership with your local NN center or consortium:

• Begin by contacting Steven McLaine, HUD's Neighborhood Networks Partnership Development Manager, who can help coordinate partnerships with a NN center or a consortium of NN centers in your area.
• Review NN's online Partnership Resources

To learn more about HUD's Neighborhood Networks initiative, visit NN's website at: http://www.neighborhoodnetworks.org/.

Contact Information:

Steven McLaine
Partnership Development Manager
Neighborhood Networks
Phone: (301) 519-5193
Email

Additional Information:

• Neighborhood Networks Fact Sheet, "Benefits of Starting and Working With a Neighborhood Networks Center," Spring 2002.

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