New Neighbors Partnership: Trusted Neighbor Pilot Program

About this Project

Newcomer families in New York City often rely on service organizations for answers to everyday questions, stretching staff thin. New Neighbors' Trusted Neighbor Program builds a more sustainable, community-based alternative by matching each family with a trained local volunteer, paired by location and language, who answers questions and shares clear, accurate resources. Volunteers are trained in cross-cultural communication, plain language, confidentiality, and boundaries, and receive twice-monthly suggestions of vetted resources like food pantries, diaper banks, and English classes. Staff facilitate each introductory call and handle any urgent or complex needs, since volunteers do not provide legal, immigration, medical, or financial advice. Through regular check-ins, feedback, and a closing focus group, New Neighbors will learn what works and refine the model. NYC Connect funding will cover the staff time, training materials, and evaluation needed to bring the pilot to life.