Newsom launches second phase of Communities of Opportunity, a national model for changing the way government serves low-income communities.

San Francisco, CA - Mayor Gavin Newsom was joined today by California's First Lady Maria Shriver to launch the second phase of Communities of Opportunity (COO), the Mayor's initiative to bring new services and infrastructure improvements to the City's underserved areas. Mayor Newsom launched the first phase of COO at Alice Griffith eight months ago with physical improvements including new streets, traffic calming, lighting, trees, play structures, new parks and community garden and construction of the "Alice Griffith Opportunity Center."

The second phase of Communities of Opportunity focuses on reform of the social service delivery system. COO will facilitate real connections and access to the services most critical in addressing the systemic causes of poverty. Over the next year we will launch over 10 catalyst initiatives that will; increase earning potential, rebuild social networks, enhance safety and improve service quality. Today's launch saw the unveiling of a new free WiFi system at Alice Griffith as part of the Tech Connect strategy that is integral to COO. This WiFi system is the first of its kind in the nation, marking the first time free wireless internet has been brought into a public housing development.

Mayor Newsom called the COO initiative "a vital force changing the face of San Francisco's Southeast." The Mayor continued saying, "Geographic isolation coupled with limited access to information is a huge factor in the gap between"the haves and have nots" especially here in San Francisco. Communities of Opportunity is about removing poverty as an obstacle to success."

A key component of COO, the TechConnect strategy promotes digital inclusion by ensuring affordable internet access, affordable hardware, community-sensitive training and support, and relevant content to all San Franciscans, especially low-income and disadvantaged residents. Last month over 250 low cost laptop and desktop computers were purchased or earned by residents in and around Alice Griffith via sweat equity by. Mayor Newsom distributed additional new computers to residents today.

The event was also a service usage fair providing instruction for residents on: how to launch, search, navigate, and establish email accounts; as well as how to log on to various Employment sites, Parenting, WEITC, Education, Housing, and income support (GA, CalWorks, Food Stamps).

The Mayor also announced the establishment of a "COO-Benefit Bank" to increase access to income supports and other much needed social services. The Benefit Bank is a national program that strengthens families and promotes self sufficiency by providing a technological solution to the complex and cumbersome process by which people gain access to public benefits and tax credits.

First Lady Maria Shiver joined the Mayor to present her new initiative California Connect and unveil a new partnership with COO. The primary goal of Connect CA is to help working families across the state learn about key services and enroll them through "service fairs" like the one held at Alice Griffith today.