The Manhattan North Project

A Technology Collaboration Led by Public Housing Residents

The Manhattan North District Project expands and integrates the Project Partners’ existing wireless community network to bring FREE wireless internet service, applications and communications capabilities to the digitally forgotten residents of Harlem, NY.

The Cooperative Membership Model

The Project utilizes a cooperative membership model where each of the development resident associations is an owner/operator of network facilities and services in their community provided in collaboration with The Smart Community Initiative.  The Project brings services to the Black and Brown low-income residents for whom the only “affordable” Internet is FREE Internet; those families living at or below the poverty line, many unemployed, struggling to pay the rent, medical expenses and keep the kids fed - the "digital forgotten".

The Manhattan North Project is led by the Manhattan North District Council of Presidents (MNDCOP).  The MNDCOP represents over 55,000 people residing in 40 public housing developments in Harlem and Northern Manhattan.

Impact & Value

Not only do our residents require free Internet, but they also need access to digital platforms and trusted content that they create and control, that gives them a voice and a way to connect with each other; and they need free access to educational and healthcare resources, and to emergency preparedness and mitigation information, specific to their communities.

Project Components

The Manhattan North Project deploys a variety of applications and services to meet resident needs

DDP partners with The Smart Community Initiative, its broadband  cooperative membership and community-based technology groups to provide FREE wireless Internet service to public housing residents

DDP partners with Resident      Associations, housing companies and community-based technology    organizations to create and operate streaming radio stations, including low- power AM & FM radio

DDP works with community-based emergency preparedness and response organizations to train     residents in emergency communications technologies and protocols.