Tech Talk Blog Seattle Information Technology

Tech Talk

Seattle Information Technology

Road Map to Connecting the Under-connected – Towns and cities at core of digital inclusion policies and partnerships

by

By David Keyes, Digital Equity Program Manager, City of Seattle and Amina Fazlullah, Mozilla Fellow 2018

A dozen chattering four-year-old’s pile into the tech learning lab, scamper for their chairs, and jump into their ABCMouse online learning activities. These future technology leaders don’t need to see the link to city or national policies and programs, but they’re at the front end of digital inclusion policy. They don’t need to see policies or lists of funders that made their learning possible, but it’s just as critical as their internet link.

Because a day in the life is a digital day for most of us, the recognition of persistent gaps has led to growing digital inclusion initiatives in many communities. However, the investments and scope of policy and programs by the public and private sector vary considerably and often aren’t well sustained. More apps or faster broadband have not inherently led to greater digital equity. This is an issue we’ve grappled with at the City of Seattle for over 20 years. Seattle has made a long-term commitment to ensure residents get information online from city government, provide public input, and contribute to their neighborhoods and communities. In the hopes of increasing digital equity, here are some observations and suggestions for framing, enacting, and collectively furthering digital inclusion policy.

Terminology helps frame policy. The term “digital divide” began to describe the state of disadvantages between the “technology “haves” and “have-nots.” “Digital inclusion” came into use as a welcoming term to connote the action taken to close the divide. “Community technology” has also been used to refer to these localized efforts. More recently “digital equity” has been adopted from other equity and justice work to better represent the need to make targeted investments and structural changes to address historical patterns of discrimination and disadvantage. Recognition that it isn’t enough to bring the proverbial internet “pipe” to the town or the door has led to more sophisticated policy framing and to initiatives that encompass both broadband access and “adoption.” This was well articulated in Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan released by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2010, which discussed broadband in terms of availability as well as adoption and utilization. At the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), a nonprofit that supports affordable home internet access and technology education, we adopted standard definitions of digital inclusion and digital equity to enable a baseline, common understanding that can be used nationally and locally to guide policies and investments.

Another critical choice of terminology and policy is whether investments aim to reach the “unserved,” with no internet access, and/or “underserved,” those who have some access to internet or other technology but are at a disadvantage for their level of technology access and capacity to use it effectively. The term “vulnerable residents” has also been used be recognize those with digital disadvantages. Research is showing that many are “under-connected” with limited Internet service, challenges of affordability, devices that aren’t reliable, and low digital skill levels which impede their availability to learn, earn, engage, and meet basic needs. How carefully the terms are defined and scoped in digital inclusion policy, practice and funding has enormous implications on whether the divide is actually narrowed. Does it apply to that resident or organization or small business across town or across the valley who cannot get internet service, has limited choices for bandwidth and cost, has limited data, can’t afford the tablet or laptop, or assistive device? Or does it apply to someone who doesn’t know how to open the attachment or search for health information online? A scope of digital inclusion and community technology was adopted into law in Washington State in 2009 when, as part of its state broadband planning, it established a Community Technology Opportunity Program (Revised Code of Washington – RCW 43.330.412).

Anchor policy in comprehensive frameworks. A whole-systems approach acknowledges the complexity and interplay of factors that foster the digital divide. In addition to adopting the standard definitions, there is an opportunity for more companies and communities, anchor institutions, legislatures, and programs to adopt a proven comprehensive framework for their digital inclusion work and to use it to educate and plan. Seattle’s most recent Digital Equity Vision and Plan, launched in 2016, adopted strategic goals in these areas: 1) Connectivity, 2) Skills Training, 3) Devices and Technical Support. Applications and online services are additional digital equity goal areas for the City. The vision for Seattle’s plan makes a clear connection between digital inclusion and race and social justice work by emphasizing the need to reach “those who are historically underserved or underrepresented.” A good reference tool for digital inclusion plans is the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Building Digital Communities, a Framework for Action, co-written with International City/County Management Association and University of Washington Technology and Social Change Group.

Government has a role as a convener & participant, but not a singular responsibility. As investors and shepherds of public interest, governments have the capacity to convene experts and stakeholders to identify needs and muster resources to solve digital inclusion problems.  Other institutions, companies, or organizations often partner or lead the establishment of digital inclusion collaborations at the local, regional, state or national levels. Government agencies are important partners in these networks and can provide essential support to sustain them. Funders need to assist in enabling these collaborations or networks to operate and to enable the systems to exchange best practices, tools, and needs. These digital inclusion coalitions or networks provide a valuable channel of knowledge between government, education, non-profit human service providers, neighborhood groups, and the private sector.

Digital inclusion planning and policy should be intentional, and also nurtured. Seattle had the foresight in 1996 to create the first digital inclusion planner position in the country. Portland, D.C., Austin and other cities have followed suit.  The planner can help the city focus their educational digital inclusion initiatives, planning and implementation. Find out who is the person or team responsible for digital inclusion planning in your city. Educate and encourage these champions.

On the technology side for local government, digital inclusion consideration should be linked and embedded where the public interacts with technology. In addition to broadband, a digital equity lens should be applied to smart cities initiatives and other public technology arenas of open data, smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT), public engagement and privacy and security where there are public interfaces, engagement, and data. Since nearly all public and human services, jobs and economic development now require digital skills and interactions, these services and the departments providing them also benefit from recognizing and embedding digital inclusion support. In 2017, the City of Seattle Digital Equity Progress Report identified nine city departments that contributed to digital skill building through their programs.

Build community capacity and work with trusted ambassadors. Those from and in the communities with digitally disadvantaged residents are the experts on their needs and bring the best strategies for delivering services. Seattle’s Technology Matching Fund (TMF) and Austin’s similar Community Technology Opportunity Program (CTOP) funding model enable partnerships with those culturally competent trusted ambassadors closest to the communities we’re trying to serve. In trying to scale, some investors and programs have not done due diligence in involving and funding the smaller organizations and representatives who could help ensure program success. There is a risk, but also an opportunity to collaborate and support these organizations in a way that develops their capacity to deliver services and helps cities, universities and other collaborators learn from and share expertise.

Read between the data lines. Telling the story of digital inclusion need and program impact for policymaking requires collection and reflection on both quantitative and qualitative data. It takes data to get dollars…and dollars to collect data and stories of how those four-year-olds benefitted from their time in the tech lab. Policies and investments should enable digital inclusion impact research to be conducted over time and designed with the full participation of the communities served. National data is very helpful, but not always inclusive or reflective of people of color, limited English speakers, those with disabilities, Native Americans, or others. In Seattle, we initiated technology access and adoption community surveying in 2000 that has helped guide our local strategies and continues to this day. No data collection tool is perfect, but choices about strategy chosen and limits need to be conscious and transparent. Also, the indicators change as technology and communities change.

There is important research and data work that needs to be supported, improved and better shared. A growing informal network of researchers and evaluators exchange measures and tools, but not broadly enough or effectively between sectors. An international hub for digital inclusion researchers, indicators, survey tools and data could make a significant difference in the field.

Embed and integrate digital inclusion into your mission and all layers of policy and programs. For cities and towns, or companies and organizations, this means considering digital inclusion plans adopted by leadership, embedding in comprehensive and strategic plans, community development plans, department work plans and budget goals. Digital inclusion advocates need to have internal allies and understand budget cycles well enough to propose digital inclusion investments at times of opportunity.

Public benefit guidelines, regulation and partnerships can and should be used to address multiple aspects of digital inclusion. As 5G and the next generation of telecom infrastructure is deployed, towns and cities have a critical opportunity to develop digital equity public benefit priorities that could guide partnerships, where deployments are made, job training and hiring, and reinvestment of telecom related revenues from fees, pole attachments, or public building use to help low income neighborhoods and residents. This may be through a combination of dollars and services. In Seattle’s cable franchises, we negotiated side agreements for funds for digital equity programs and broadband connections. San Jose has legislation for establishment of a digital inclusion fund. Ensuring the authority for local governments to negotiate public benefits and consumer protections that are responsive to local needs is being strongly challenged and is a significant policy issue for the country.

Finally, someone needs to do more to tackle consumer labeling, education and awareness for broadband and telecom services. The FCC made a small attempt to promote ISP use of a standard optional “nutritional menu” for broadband. Every day, We hear of someone trying to sort out the cost and options for getting broadband service and they’re often trying to sort out bundles of services. Some mobile providers are to be credited for starting to simplify plans. Residents who can least afford it, are most challenged to understand the plans, and don’t have techies and economists in their social network, are more likely to be upsold services and bundles they can’t afford, pay more of their income, and have greater problems getting help. This structural issue is unjust and perpetuates an economic and digital divide.

Policy is iterative and relies on you. The attention to digital inclusion policies and other policies which embrace digital inclusion is growing and will keep changing. It lies at the intersection between technology growth and developing thriving, inclusive communities. It’s exciting to see champions of digital inclusion across the world in all sectors. Often, getting policy going just requires a few threads, a few people in a room, and a visit with those four-year-olds or others eager for the digital opportunity many of us take for granted. Get out there, get moving. We have work to do.

 

David Keyes works at the intersection of information and communications technology adoption, broadband, race and social justice, research and community capacity building. He was the first community technology planner in the country in 1996 and led the development of Seattle’s digital inclusion programs and policies. He has been an active contributor and presenter for a wide range of boards and programs. In 2016, David became the inaugural Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion, awarded by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and the Benton Foundation. He is graduate of Antioch College and the University of Washington Evans School.

 

Amina Fazlullah was a Mozilla Fellow (2017/18) where she worked to promote policies that support broadband connectivity in rural and vulnerable communities in the United States and abroad. She is currently Policy Counsel with Common Sense Media focusing on federal policies that impact the digital equity and privacy of kids and families. Amina was formerly the Benton Foundation’s Policy Director, where she worked to further government policies to address communication needs of vulnerable communities. Before that, Amina worked with the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, and for the Honorable Chief Judge James M. Rosenbaum of the U.S. District Court of Minnesota and at the Federal Communications Commission. She is graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and Pennsylvania State University. She is also a board member of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

 

Digital Equity Community Gathers to Build Cross-Sector Collaboration

by

A gathering of more than 40 community members resolute on co-designing a network dedicated to resource sharing and collaboration around digital equity took place on October 25, 2018. The event, hosted by Seattle Information Technology’s Community Technology team, brought together participants from a wide range of organizations and institutions dedicated to increasing digital equity across our region.

Participants included representatives from Seattle Public Schools, University of Washington Information School, Seattle Public Library, Seattle Goodwill, Casa Latina, Somali Family Safety Task Force, Literacy Source, Chinese Information and Service Center, and CenturyLink, among others.

Through facilitated discussions, the group drafted a common purpose statement for the work ahead: to develop relationships, strategies, and resources to ensure equitable access to digital technologies, opportunities, skills, and knowledge to enable communities to thrive.

A common theme throughout the morning’s conversations was the understanding that as we move into the future, digital equity is essential for all individuals – young people, adults, and seniors – to thrive in our changing world. Access to the internet and the ability to navigate digital technologies are essential when accessing education, seeking and applying for jobs, and maintaining basic connections to community.

Toward the end of the morning, the group identified their collective list of the most pressing issues related to digital equity. These include increasing the accessibility of affordable internet and devices, giving parents adequate internet access and skills necessary to support the learning opportunities of their children attending Seattle Public Schools, and directing attention to communities most vulnerable to barriers like income, language, education level, or involvement in the justice system.

Participants left the gathering energized to connect with each other, and eager to build collaboration across organizations with different approaches to addressing digital equity. This gathering was a first step in the effort to convene a wide range of stakeholders. Similar meetings in the future will solidify action steps and opportunities for collaboration across sectors and communities.

As a city at the forefront of technological advancement, Seattle risks an increasing divide between the hyper-connected and those who lack internet access and digital skills due to systemic barriers. Service providers, government, public school systems, and private companies all have a stake in ensuring that no one is left behind as technology moves full-steam ahead.

 

The City of Seattle Awards $400,000 to Help Improve Digital Equity

by

Photo courtesy YouthCare, a 2018 recipient

 The Technology Matching Fund grants will be offered for the 21st year in a row to organizations in Seattle working on improving lives through technology literacy

The Seattle City Council unanimously approved $400,000 in Technology Matching Funds be awarded to 12 local organizations. These grants are given out annually to uphold the commitment by the City of Seattle as outlined in the Digital Equity Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to improve connectivity, digital skills training, and provide devices, and technology support to communities that might not have equitable access.

“Furthering technology equity and access is an important way to create opportunity for historically underserved neighborhoods,” said Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. “These investments allow our communities to capitalize on technology and job training while making a more inclusive city.”

This year, projects receiving funds will support a broad range of community-driven, collaborative solutions to achieve digital equity in Seattle. They will reach over 8,300 residents, including immigrants, refugees, seniors, youth, and people with disabilities.

“It’s a pleasure to be part of this process each year as we build this relationship with organizations that are making a difference in making technology more available to everyone,” said Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell. “We inch closer to digital equity each year when we allocate this funding. I’m especially pleased to see this funding package emphasizes programs that work with adults and youths experiencing homelessness.”

One recipient is YouthCare which will use their award of $49,940 to help young people experiencing homelessness with their employment and education goals.

“YouthCare is excited for this opportunity to use technology to help young people experiencing homelessness achieve their employment and education goals,” said Development and Communications Manager Jody Waits. “Lack of access to technology can be a significant barrier that homeless young people must navigate, and overcome, in their path to stability. This grant will allow YouthCare to bridge the digital equity gap so that homeless young people can have the tools and skills to get off the streets and find lasting career opportunities.”

City funding for the awards is matched by the community through additional cash, donations of hardware, software, supplies and labor. A one-half to one match is required of each organization receiving funding; however, the community contribution is often greater than the City’s support. This year’s projects are projected to provide more than $300,000 in community matching resources.

“It’s a pleasure to award these grants that help build vital skills like job hunting, helping kids with homework, and accessing government services,” said Tracye Cantrell, Acting Director of Seattle Information Technology. “Through increased outreach to the community, we saw a greater number of submissions this year from a diverse pool of applicants, which is exciting.”

Literacy Source received $32, 379 will expand their digital literacy classes to serve more adults with limited English proficiency.
“We’re thrilled to receive this grant to continue our work improving the literacy skills of the community we serve,” said Literacy Source Executive Director Lynn Livesley. “Developing these skills is critical to the personal growth of an individual and to the community’s overall economic outlook.”

The 2018 Technology Matching Fund award recipients and their projects:

  • Community Passageways: Technology Equity for Young Adults of Color
  • East African Community Services: 2018 Technology Matching Fund
  • Garinagu HounGua: Garifuna Digital Literacy Workshop Series
  • Helping Link: Mobile Computer and iPad Literacy Lab
  • Literacy Source: Open Doors – Increasing Basic Digital Literacy
  • Millionair Club Charity: Computer Lab Expansion/Update
  • PROVAIL: Adaptive Technology for Children with Disabilities
  • Seattle Neighborhood Group: Building Our Bridge: Crossing the Digital Divide
  • Somali Family Safety Task Force: 2018 Digital Literacy in West Seattle
  • South East Effective Development: Technology Builds Community
  • United Indians of All Tribes Foundation: Broadband and Public Computer/Internet Access
  • YouthCare: Employment Technology Supports for Homeless Youth (pictured above)

Photo courtesy YouthCare, a 2018 recipient

 

To learn more about the City of Seattle’s commitment to Digital Equity and the Technology Matching Fund, visit http://www.seattle.gov/tech/initiatives/digital-equity/technology-matching-fund.

Technology Matching Fund Application Process is Open

by

Last year’s Technology Matching Fund recipients with Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell and members of the Community Technology team

The City of Seattle offers funding to improve digital equity
 The Technology Matching Fund grants will be offered for the 21st year in a row to organizations in Seattle

SEATTLE (March 12, 2018)— The City of Seattle Technology Matching Fund program invites community organizations and nonprofits to apply for grants up to $50,000 each. The grants are designed to help improve digital equity through projects that support the community.

“From computer labs to STEM programs, job training, and teaching parents how to use a laptop or tablet, the work of these technology grants help connect communities that have limited access to technology year after year,” said Seattle Council President Bruce Harrell. “We look forward to hearing the projects this year’s applicants present.”

“We are making great strides in technology, but not all of Seattle’s population is sharing in these gains,” said Community Technology Manager Chance Hunt. “We are committed to stem the swell of economic disparity by providing better access.”

The City seeks applications for projects that increase access to free or low-cost broadband, empower residents with digital literacy skills, and ensure affordable, available, and sufficient devices and technical support. The fund gives matching dollars for community-driven projects. City funds are matched by the community’s contribution of volunteer labor, materials, professional services, or funding.

“Improving access to the internet and digital devices is a complex task in Seattle,” said Acting Director Tracye Cantrell, Seattle Information Technology. “These grants work towards ensuring that many more in the community are developing their computer literacy and getting some of the technology support they need from the City of Seattle.”

Three workshops have been set up to guide those interested in applying for a Technology Matching Fund grant. The workshops are free and will provide an overview of the grant program, explain how to apply, and guide attendees to submitting a successful application. The classes are not required for an application to be submitted, or a grant to be awarded. First time applicants are encouraged to attend one of the three scheduled classes:

Monday, March 26: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
2100 Building, 2100 24th Ave South, 98144

Thursday, March 29: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Neighborhood House High Point, 6400 Sylvan Way SW, 98126

Saturday, March 31: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., 98103

Interpretation and accommodations are available upon request by calling (206) 233-2751 or emailing communitytechnology@seattle.gov.

Application materials and more information are available at www.seattle.gov/tech/tmf/.

 

###

 

Seattle to hold Digital Literacy Network meet-ups

by

Do you want to work together to push forward shared interests in cultivating a more digital literate Seattle for K-12 students, young adults, adults, and senior citizens? Come join us Nov 13, 15, or 17 to share your work and ideas for collaborating to improve digital skills for the community you work with. The Seattle Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) and the City’s Community Technology Advisory Board (CTAB) are convening two in-person and one online session to explore a digital literacy network.

The idea for a digital literacy network or something similar came up in the community input as we were developing Seattle’s Digital Equity Initiative.  Similar groups have formed elsewhere, including Kansas City’s Coalition for Digital Inclusion Alliance and Philadelphia’s Digital Literacy Alliance.  These coalitions are helping market educational opportunities, train trainers, recruit and place volunteers, develop funding, identify skills standards and assessment tools, exchange curriculum, and/or increase awareness of the need for digital literacy. These efforts can complement other broadband, education, STEM, immigrant/refugee, or social service coalitions. They involve a range of community based organizations, companies, public agencies, schools, foundations, and community members.

Seattle IT and CTAB are hosting three meet-ups the week of November 13-17 to learn who wants to be involved and what the needs and priorities would be. One meet-up will be in the north end, one in the south/west area, and one will be virtual (phone/internet).

Please join us for one of these dates:

  • Monday, November 13, 9-10:30 a.m. at Literacy Source, 3200 NE 125th St, Seattle, WA
  • Wednesday, November 15, 10-11:30 a.m. at Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA
  • Friday, November 17, 12-1 p.m. virtual meeting online

If you’re interested, please RSVP to david.keyes@seattle.gov with your name, organization, and which meet-up you would like to participate in.  Please let us know if you need special accommodations or an interpreter. Feel free to invite others!

Seattle Information Technology recognized at NATOA Awards in Seattle

by

Pictured from left to right: Brian Roberts, Jose Vasquez, Delia Burke, Jim Loter, Chance Hunt, Vicky Yuki, Derrick Hall, David Keyes, Chris Alejana, Gabriel Garcia

Big honors were given out to Seattle IT at this year’s annual conference of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) which took place in Seattle in September. The Digital Engagement Team was honored with two awards. Seattle IT’s Strategic Plan for Facilitating Equitable Access to Wireless Broadband was awarded the 2017 Community Broadband Strategic Plan of the Year. The Technology Matching Fund was awarded the 2017 Community Broadband Digital Equity Project of the Year.

Seattle Channel was named among the best municipal television stations in the nation when it received the prestigious Excellence in Government Programming along with eight other programming awards, including five first-place wins for programming.

Also recognized at the NATOA conference was Tony Perez, director of Seattle’s Office of Cable Communications. Perez, immediate past president and longtime member of NATOA’s Board of Directors, received NATOA’s 2017 Member of the Year award for his contributions to the field, including his leadership, policy development and strategic advice to ensure that communities benefit from the transformational nature of broadband technology.

NATOA is a national association representing the needs and interests of local governments in the areas of communications, broadband and technology. NATOA’s annual government programming awards honor excellence in broadcast, cable, multimedia and electronic programming produced by local government agencies. This year, NATOA received more than 900 entries submitted in 65 categories by local governments across the country.

Voices of Tomorrow: Breaking down cultural barriers in child care

by

Voices of Tomorrow

Voices of Tomorrow: Breaking down cultural barriers in child care

Story by Joy Okot-Okidi

Voices of Tomorrow has been serving East African childcare providers and their families for more than five years. The co-founders Zamzam Mohamed and Iftin Hagimohamed saw how a lack of cultural understanding in early learning was impacting their community. So they set out to better equip East African child care providers, children and families while breaking down cultural barriers.

Their mission reads, “helping today’s children for a better tomorrow.”

CEO Zamzam Mohamed says the hopes the organization will, “further bridge the cultural gap between Westerners and immigrants as far as childcare and raising children goes.”

The organization fully came together in 2012. Since then co-founders have worked to put together programs and conferences along with members of the community.

One such event in December was The Somali Women’s gala. The purpose of the event was to celebrate and empower Somali women in the local community. It also serves to appreciate and acknowledge the many women who work in the childcare field.

They also hold an annual childcare conference is held to support providers. This conference not only holds mandated trainings and improves professional development, but connects members of the community working towards a similar goal.

After receiving a grant from the City’s Technology Matching Fund, Voices of Tomorrow pushed to open a computer lab in the Hope Academic Enrichment Center, close to Voices of Tomorrow’s headquarters in South Seattle. The lab supports local childcare providers in gaining computer skills such as opening emails, responding to licensures and writing documentations.

Voices of tomorrow co-founder saw a common challenge among the 400 plus childcare providers in King County, and 166 in the Seattle area. They launched the computer lab project was started to improve tech literacy.

“People come in at different levels, so we created a ‘tailored needs service,’ where we will pair two people up. One who is very knowledgeable in the subject and someone who wants to learn about the certain subject. We use this system because our community of immigrants, especially where I am from, really thrives well with peer to peer support and activities,” said Mohamed.

Community members also come in to the lab to help providers with the various computer skills. In addition, about 80 children were given access to the computer lab for homework help, and to work with a teacher on computer skills like typing. Children in grades six and up were using the computer lab.

The lab features a total of eighteen HP computers, including a printer, copier, scanner and projector. The projector was used during a nine week literacy training, in three hour sessions taking place every Wednesday and Saturday beginning last December. After a successful launch, the computer lab has moved to the Voices of Tomorrow office, where community members can still drop in and assist each other with various skills.

Mohamed says East Africans have valuable cultural assets that can be applied to childrearing

“For example, our families use a lot of storytelling,” she explains “and parents may think that they have to relearn skills to help their children with what is being taught in school, But they already have the skills. They just have to connect the dots using the methods that they have.”

Voices of Tomorrow started with the idea of breaking that cultural barrier. So Mohamed says that when childcare providers can call Voices of Tomorrow and there is no barrier in understanding, it brings her immense joy.

She says that the most rewarding part of her job is when childcare providers have the “A-ha moment” where they try out a method in their own childcare program and it successfully helps a child do better.

In 2016 the City of Seattle awarded 10 community organizations a total of $320,000 in Technology Matching Funds (TMF). This funding will assist more than 2,500 residents in historically underserved or underrepresented communities who lack the necessary technology access and essential digital skills to thrive in the 21st century.

Lazarus Day Center responds to homelessness crisis with devotion to service

by

Untitled
Story by Hillary Sanders.

The Lazarus computer lab gives visitors access to software like Microsoft Word and provides an internet connection for clients to engage in housing and job searching, communicating on social media, or just watching a YouTube video to unwind. The computer lab is currently accommodating between 50 and 60 people per week.

As the homelessness crisis peaked in 2016, the Lazarus Day Center in Pioneer Square found itself serving more homeless and marginally-housed people than ever this last year.

“The Laz” as it’s lovingly called, provides a range of services for homeless and marginally housed people aged 50 and over. Those include laundry, showers, meals, counselling, housing case management, activities and classes, and as of this year, a 6-station computer lab.

As plans were being made to clear The Jungle, volunteers from the Laz went to the Seattle City Council and fought hard to get the funds that allowed the center to open earlier and provide more meals and add an additional housing case manager.

The Laz secured housing for 49 people in 2016 and expect that number to go up in 2017. With the help of the Technology Matching Fund, The Lazarus has also been establishing a technology center for its clients.

Prior to the construction of their 6-station computer lab, the Laz did not have computers or internet access for its clients. They now have staff building out classes specifically to help people develop computer skills.

According to Jennifer Newman, the Program Director at St. Martin de Porres Shelter and Lazarus Day Center, these classes cover everything from resume building, learning Word, looking for housing, job searching, and connecting with family on social media.

“We want to expose people to a variety of activities and classes to enrich their lives but also, to build relationships founded on trust and respect. This enables us to engage clients in meaningful housing case management,” Newman says.

Between the additional meals, the new computer lab, classes, and other events, the Lazarus is now strained when it comes to physical space — but Newman says that they’re devoted to continuing to help more and more people regardless.

In 2016 the City of Seattle awarded 10 community organizations a total of $320,000 in Technology Matching Funds (TMF). This funding will assist more than 2,500 residents in historically underserved or underrepresented communities who lack the necessary technology access and essential digital skills to thrive in the 21st century.

Seattle Housing Authority looks for ways tech can help us connect

by

From left, Gene Beesley, Cheryl Rody, Tom Ross, Ella Williams, Chloe Bethany, Dorene Cornwell, and Lisa Maurer gather for a picture in the STAR of Seattle Computer Center. Photo courtesy of Mike Pollack.

Story by Hillary Sanders

It was an especially cold December afternoon when I visited the STAR of Seattle in the Central District. I was greeted by Misha, a STAR volunteer, who was sitting at the front desk in a room full of purring computers.  STAR stands for Special Technology Access Resource and its mission is to empower people of widely varying abilities and disabilities to build community using computers, the internet and assistive technology.

I was floored when I toured the assistive technology available in the Center — things I didn’t even know existed like a braille printer and enlarged print keyboards for people with low vision.

In an era where we often talk about how technology alienates us (think of your family looking at their phones instead of each other at the dinner table), Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) residents are finding ways to connect with each other through technology.

In 2015, the Technology Matching Fund through the City of Seattle, allocated $24,269 to the SHA to replace a total of 18 computers; nine at the STAR of Seattle and nine at the Westwood Heights Technology Center.

In collaboration with Full Life Care, a non-profit situated adjacent to the STAR that supports people with chronic illnesses, and physical or developmental disabilities, the TMF also provided for the creation of a database capable of tracking visitors at six SHA computer labs.

The STAR of Seattle is the largest of the SHA computer labs and is the only one open to the public.

Mike Pollack, the Information Systems Manager at Full Life Care, says the STAR and Westwood Heights Centers combined serve about 200 people per year, while Jefferson Terrace, Denny Terrace, and Barton Place serve between 40 and 80 residents each. Data collected from the labs is helping to assess resident needs and inform future grant applications.

Full Life Care, for example, recently received grant money to build out a mobile computer lab that will expand computer access to more SHA buildings. The mobile lab will also provide community workshops on everything from how to protect your privacy when using social media to digital photography and video chatting.

According to volunteer Dorene Cornwell, the STAR Center is a place where people can come and gain access to the resources they need, at a pace that works for them.

“I’m a big fan of peer support and of emphasizing the community value of shared space,” Cornwell says.

That’s why SHA residents organized the Resident Leadership Development Team Seattle Conference, held on December 16th. One of the sessions, “Accessing Technology in Low-income Communities,” covered a broad range of topics including how to coordinate trainings in SHA buildings, the process of applying for technology grants, and programs that provide low-cost internet and discount laptops.

As more essential activities like banking and job applications migrate online, Cornwell explains, the challenges for people in her community multiply. Sure, online resources can be really convenient, “but if somebody is not comfortable with the technology, it’s just another dang intrusion, another way to be frustrated when our lives are kind of difficult anyway,” Cornwell says.

This begs an important question: how de-sensitized are we becoming to the privileges that our personal technological devices grant us? I wrote this article entirely on my smartphone, but for some, even accessing an online article presents major obstacles.

When it comes to all of the devices we use and have access to on a daily basis, having the skills to make the most of that access, Cornwell emphasizes, “is never to be taken for granted.”

 

The City of Seattle is now accepting applications for the 2017 Technology Matching Fund (TMF). In 2016 the city awarded 10 community organizations a total of $320,000 in Technology Matching Funds. This funding assists more than 2,500 residents in historically underserved or underrepresented communities who lack the necessary technology access and essential digital skills to thrive in the 21st century.