Bayview Computer Help Days
Alice Griffith Community Opportunity Center

Photo (c) Kami Griffiths

The Alice Griffith Community Opportunity Center is located in a housing project operated by the San Francisco Housing Authority. There is a public computer lab on the second floor for classes and informal tutoring.  Alice Griffith staff and volunteers strive to increase technology use by offering computer classes and labs. But many Alice Griffith residents may have old or obsolete computer equipment and software is often too expensive. There were three different types of Computer Help Days at Alice Griffith in the course of two years.

At the first event in May 2007, donated computers were distributed to families with students at Bret Harte Elementary School and a wireless network was set up in the development. Residents learned how to connect to the wireless network and use their computers.

From May to October 2008, residents developed their computer skills at weekly tutoring and advice sessions.

In November 2008, volunteers

-provided technical support for existing computers,

- worked one-on-one with residents to demonstrate online resources that will help with their daily lives. Topics were determined by the residents and their interests.  

Topics included job search and casual labor resources, how to set up an email account, online GED or other classes, Internet safety, and additional training opportunities.

In addition, several organizations demonstrated useful resources opportunities for additional opportunities: BAYCAT (digital media demonstrations and training opportunities); Childhood Matters (parenting advice); Children's Council (childcare and parenting resources); Goodwill and Reliatech (computer technician training program opportunities); and Wells Fargo (online banking and financial literacy).