Bridging the Digital Divide: Access, Learning, and Connection will create a dedicated, accessible computer “lab” to help low-income residents, seniors and the unhoused access essential online services and build digital confidence.
As more government, medical, and financial systems move exclusively online, many community members are being left behind—unable to complete forms, access benefits, manage health appointments, or communicate with service providers. This project will establish a reliable space within The Help Centre where clients can access computers, internet, and guided support to complete these vital tasks.
The lab will provide both independent and supported use, including guided sessions, workshops, and small group learning opportunities. These will focus on activities such as CRA account setup, government form completion, benefit applications, and online service registration. Staff and volunteers will offer step-by-step assistance, ensuring that even those with limited digital skills or confidence can participate fully.
In its first year, the project will focus on establishing the equipment, software, and IT support, along with pilot programming to test approaches that best meet client needs. Long-term, the goal is to expand this initiative into a mobile digital access lab, allowing outreach to low-income and unhoused individuals in other parts of Northumberland County. The program will also establish a strong volunteer network to help sustain services over multiple years.
This project reflects The Help Centre’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers and promoting inclusion. It transforms access to technology into access to opportunity—helping people connect with services, build independence, and feel empowered in a rapidly digital world.
In a rural county like Northumberland, access to technology and reliable internet is far from universal. Many low-income residents, unhoused individuals, and seniors living on fixed incomes simply cannot afford a computer, smartphone, or monthly internet plan. For many, these tools are completely out of reach—and so are the services that now depend on them.
More and more essential supports—government benefits, housing applications, medical appointments, and even communication with family—are now available only online. For those without access or digital skills, this creates overwhelming barriers that lead to frustration, lost opportunities, and deeper social isolation. Seniors often tell us they feel “left behind,” while unhoused and low-income clients struggle just to stay connected enough to manage their daily lives.
The Help Centre sees this gap every day. People come to us trying to fill out forms, access benefits, or print identification but don’t have the technology or knowledge to do so. Bridging the Digital Divide will change that—offering free computer access, internet connectivity, and guided support to help individuals learn, complete forms, and navigate online systems safely and confidently.
By bridging this digital divide, we are reconnecting people to community, independence, and opportunity—and ensuring that no one is left behind simply because they cannot afford or understand the technology the world now depends on.
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This project is custom made for the Help Centre, who have been bridging many gaps for the past 40 years.
This project will ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of income or background, has the tools they need to succeed and thrive in the digital age!
What a great program especially for the seniors in our community. I totally support it and feel the Help Centre is perfectly positioned to deliver it!
This project will have a positive impact on many in our community and the Help Centre is positioned well to support implementing these services.
A great initiative and the Help Centre has the connection with the intended client group to do this well. This project will help clients improve their lives, an
If our gov’t expects us to respond to their queries online then they must provide the opportunity for all to obtain the knowledge, access, and ability to do so!