Qualifying senior citizens in the northern part of Manhattan and The Bronx now have access to one-on-one support and education about computers and more, thanks to a city-run program called "Neighborhood Tech Help."

According to the New York City Department for the Aging, almost one-third of senior citizens do not own a computer or tablet - with most of them saying it is because they would need help with it.

"The barrier is not enough resources to have places for older adults to come in and learn," said Paul Ortiz, the chief program officer for Presbyterian Senior Services.

To try to solve that, the New York Public Library and City Department of Housing Preservation and Development launched Neighborhood Tech Help, bringing that instruction to seniors in Section 8 housing. Currently, there are five Bronx locations, which rotate throughout the week.

"You're never too old to learn," said Mary Scott, of Longwood. "You can never say what you can't do. You've got to try, and once you try, you'll like it."

Scott would know. Thanks to the program, she says she has not just learned how to use computers and her phone, but also, all the different things she can do by herself on them.

"We help people with their SNAP benefits, we help them with their Section 8 applications," said Dr. Brandy McNeil, the deputy director of Branch Programs and Services for New York Public Library.

For Scott, it also means she can now shop and see her bank statements all on her own, instead of calling one of her three daughters with every question like she used to.

"I'm proud that I can do these things," Scott said.

"That's what we want," said Oritz. "We don't want them to be dependent on their families. Yes, they're there to support them, but what happens in a crisis?"

Appointments at each location can be made online.

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