Housing Authority Opens Computer Lab

By Angela Carter

-NEW HAVEN — The Housing Authority of New Haven on Wednesday unveiled a new computer laboratory and library in the West Rock neighborhood, as well as a 16-passenger van to transport authority residents there from around the city. The facility is located at 295 Wilmot Road and features 25 flat-screen computers and six printers. Housing Authority Commissioner David Alvarado said it will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“This represents a huge commitment on the part of the authority,” Executive Director Jimmy Miller said during ribbon-cutting ceremony. “The important thing we have to do over the next couple of years is support self-sufficiency.”

Sheila Allen Bell, assistant executive director for community and economic development, said there will be programs for adults and children, and classes on basic computer skills, GED preparation, literacy, health and wellness, typing, parenting, budgeting and credit repair.

“I get choked up about this center,” she said, describing it as “a dream come true.”

The library space will be available for computer research and after-school homework support for students. Kids are also able to play video games there.

Diana Smith, chief financial officer for the housing authority, said computers and related equipment cost were bought with $260,000 from a federal Ross grant. The total grant was about $400,000 and was used toward other social service programs.

New Horizons will be the vendor for computer classes, and area nonprofit organizations will teach other classes, Allen Bell said.

Program Manager Cynthia DeLouise said a health and wellness class already is under way and a GED prep course starts Tuesday. Eight Housing Authority residents have signed up to volunteer to help families who come in to use the center, she said.

Angela Carter can be reached at 789-5614 or acarter@nhregister.com.

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