Support — HWA NYC

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Welcome to HWA NYC support. Below you'll find answers to common questions. If you don't find what you need, email us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HWA NYC?

HWA NYC (short for How We Are) is a real-time map of how New York City feels, updated every hour. You vote Good or Bad, and the map reflects the collective mood of your neighborhood, your borough, and the whole city.

Do I need an account?

No. HWA NYC doesn't use accounts, emails, or passwords. Open the app, allow location access, and vote. That's it.

The app says I'm outside NYC but I'm in the city.

HWA NYC only works inside the five boroughs of New York City. If you're getting this message while physically in NYC, try:

How often can I vote?

You can vote once per hour. The map updates every minute, so your vote counts toward the next update. You can come back throughout the day to reflect changes in how you're feeling.

Why can't I see a specific neighborhood on the map?

The map covers all five boroughs and 200+ neighborhoods. If a specific area appears empty or uncolored, it means there aren't enough votes in that area during the current hour to show reliable data. As more people vote, more areas fill in.

How does the Question of the Day work?

Every day, HWA NYC asks one city-wide question (for example: "Subway feeling safe this week?"). You answer Yeah or Nah, and results update in real time. The question resets every day at midnight.

How do the widgets work?

The HWA NYC widget shows the current mood of the city, your borough, and the neighborhood you're in. It updates automatically — no action required. To add it, long-press your home screen, tap the "+" button, search for HWA NYC, and choose the widget size you want.

What data do you collect about me?

As little as possible. We don't collect your name, email, phone number, or precise location. Your votes are counted anonymously by area and hour. For the full details, read our Privacy Policy.

Is HWA NYC free?

Yes. HWA NYC is free to use, with no ads that track you. The platform is supported by single-brand sponsorships that don't involve any user data.

Will HWA come to my city?

HWA NYC is the first city. Barcelona, London, and Paris are on the roadmap. If you'd like to request your city, email us.

Contact us

For technical issues, feedback, press inquiries, or anything else:

Email: hello@hwa.nyc

We read every message and respond as soon as we can.

Other resources

In case of conflict, the English version of this text prevails.