Politics & Government

WiFi Vans Bring Broadband to Public Housing

Project aims to help people apply for jobs online and print resumes.

For those searching for a visual representation of the so-called "digital divide"—look no further than the Digital Van parked at Tompkins Houses in Bed-Stuy this Friday afternoon.

A pilot project of the New York City Housing Authority, the Digital Van initiative is an effort to bridge the gap by providing high-speed Internet access, computers and printers for residents looking for work in an increasingly digital marketplace.

"A lot of people ask what we're all about. And a lot of people are taking advantage of what we have to offer," said Dennis Stewart, the driver of the van.

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The van includes two Internet "hot spots" accessible to residents within a block-and-a-half radius, according to Digital Van consultant Josh Stevenson.

Since January, Stevenson and Stewart have taken the van to different NYCHA locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan and The Bronx—with a second van rolling out this week.

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"For some reason, we don't get a lot of people in Manhattan, maybe because people there have Smartphones and all that stuff," Stevenson said. "Brooklyn has been really receptive, though."

The van is open weekly Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is parked at a different location every week.

The van will be at Tompkins Houses until 4 p.m. today. According to Stevenson, the van has yet to make an appearance at Fort Greene Houses.

The Digital Van's full schedule is available via NYCHA's website.

Jamie Schuh contributed reporting.


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