Across New York City, at the heart of every NYCHA property management office, you’ll find a valuable resource designed to connect residents with essential services: Self-Service Kiosks. These kiosks have recently been upgraded with new features, making it even easier for residents to navigate NYCHA’s online services.
These Self Serve Nycha kiosks are more than just machines; they are gateways to vital services for residents, especially those who may not have personal computers or reliable internet access at home. From handling crucial tasks like rent payment and submitting maintenance requests to completing annual recertifications, the kiosks offer a direct line to NYCHA’s digital world. Beyond personal account management, residents can also explore job training opportunities, browse and apply for NYCHA employment, catch up on the latest NYCHA Journal articles, and stay informed about upcoming NYCHA board meetings, all at their fingertips.
Last summer marked a significant step forward in resident accessibility, as NYCHA’s Information Technology Department successfully deployed approximately 150 enhanced kiosks across all NYCHA property management offices. These upgraded self serve nycha kiosks boast a range of advanced features designed with user experience in mind:
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Larger Monitor: For improved readability and simpler navigation through the kiosk’s interface.
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Multipage Scanner: Enabling residents to efficiently scan multiple documents at once, streamlining paperwork processes.
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Accessibility Features: Specifically designed for residents with visual impairments, including an audio jack for private audio access using personal headphones.
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Attached Wire Basket: Providing a convenient space for residents to keep their documents and personal items organized while using the kiosk.
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Floor-Standing Privacy Barrier: Ensuring a confidential environment for residents when accessing sensitive information and conducting private transactions.
Man using the print/copy feature of the Self-Service Kiosk
The multipage scanner on the upgraded self serve nycha kiosk simplifies document submission for residents.
Man using the touch screen of the Self-Service Kiosk
The larger screen on the self serve nycha kiosk enhances user interaction and ease of use.
Man wheeling a self-service kiosk into a building
Installation of the new OneStop Self-Service Kiosks at Eastchester Gardens, improving resident access to services.
Man installing self-service kiosk into a room. an older model of the kiosk is next to him
NYCHA’s IT Department managed the seamless transition to new Self-Service Kiosks, replacing older models to better serve residents.
Dawn Burgess, NYCHA’s Digital Van/Kiosk Manager, emphasizes the positive impact of these upgrades, stating, “Residents can read the screens better. They need not wait for their Housing Assistant or anyone else to assist them with their recertifications. Residents can complete their annual recertifications by themselves, and the kiosks also grant them access to additional City and government agencies.” This self-sufficiency is a key benefit of the upgraded self serve nycha technology.
Kim Maxwell, NYCHA IT Neighborhood Tech Manager, who leads the Neighborhood IT team responsible for kiosk maintenance, highlights the dual benefits of the new system: “The new and improved features of the kiosk are accessibility and good information. Residents are able to retrieve information very easily and navigate within the website more easily. The kiosk helps residents take ahold of their own account and be very self-sufficient.”
Woman seated in front of self-service kiosk
Aisha Diaby, a Resident Roundtable Member, praises the efficiency of the self serve nycha kiosks.
Resident leaders like Dana Elden, Resident Association (RA) President of St. Mary’s Park Houses, and Aisha Diaby, a Resident Roundtable Member from East River Houses, have also voiced their strong support for the Self-Service Kiosks.
Ms. Diaby appreciates the kiosk’s document scanning and upload capabilities for certifications. “I use the scanner on the kiosk to upload my documents,” she notes. “The best feature I like of the kiosk is the scanner, because you can upload multiple documents and you can get a confirmation that it was received by NYCHA.” This feature of the self serve nycha kiosk significantly simplifies administrative tasks for residents.
Woman in wheelchair in front of self-service kiosk
Dana Elden, RA President, champions the self serve nycha kiosks as vital tools for resident empowerment and information access.
Ms. Elden actively assists fellow residents in utilizing the kiosks and values the access they provide to resources like The NYCHA Journal and NYCHA board meeting information. “I think it’s important for our residents to have an easy way to access their personal information and other information in regard to where they live and how they’re living,” Ms. Elden explains. “Regarding NYCHA, you can find out anything you want to using this kiosk. It not only applies to NYCHA and its services, but it reaches outside of NYCHA – you can access Social Security, you can access the Department of Motor Vehicles, you can access so many other agencies to get what you need in order to be here in this development or any development. Sometimes we have recertifications and residents need a benefit letter or an award letter – and they’re able to do that on this kiosk, print it out, and have it ready for their recertification. Residents should use the kiosk because it’s full service, so it can give you answers to any questions you have. It’s also wonderful for those who don’t have devices at home.”
In conclusion, the upgraded self serve nycha kiosks represent a significant investment in digital inclusion and resident empowerment. By providing easy access to essential services and information, these kiosks are invaluable tools for the NYCHA community, bridging the digital divide and fostering greater self-sufficiency among residents.
