Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday the city will provide tablets with internet service to seniors living in NYCHA housing in Mott Haven. De Blasio said the tablets, provided in a partnership with T-Mobile, will allow seniors who are isolated to stay in touch with their loved ones.
The $5 million investment will put the devices into the hands of 10,000 NYCHA seniors, starting in Mott Haven and selected neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The mayor said the tablets will include instructions as well as a hotline for seniors to call if they need help with their new devices. He did not say when or how the devices will be distributed.
“One of the most painful realities has been grandparents who can’t see their grandchildren or their children,” said the mayor.
The plan to connect seniors was announced as part of a larger effort to aid NYCHA residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. De Blasio said the city would expand free door-to-door meal distribution to all NYCHA senior buildings.
He said the city will also make phone calls to all NYCHA seniors, as well as other vulnerable residents, to check on their health and ensure they have necessities. Face coverings, gloves and hand sanitizer will be distributed to all NYCHA residents, he said.
About Post Author
