AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
SF Tech Council (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Digital navigation skills
└ Digital navigation skills
Many older adults in San Francisco struggled with technology-not because they lacked devices, but because they lacked help. To meet that need, SF Tech Council organized five multilingual "Tech Support Popups" that offered free one-on-one assistance in neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Tenderloin. Nearly 100 volunteers helped more than 200 residents update devices, remove viruses and sign up for affordable internet programs. The events built digital confidence and community connections, inspiring agencies to explore permanent tech help services. One Cantonese-speaking participant said she finally felt "heard" while learning to use her phone to stay in touch with her children.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Nashville, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in North Nashville faced digital barriers that limited access to health care, financial tools and social connection. The YMCA launched a Digital Connectivity Pilot with 23 computer lab sessions staffed by local HBCU students. It also hosted three Lunch and Learn workshops on telehealth, estate planning and financial literacy. These efforts helped participants gain confidence using technology. One member said the program's telehealth training made them less scared to seek care remotely. Others learned to prevent scams and manage retirement accounts. The YMCA plans to expand this model across its six-county service area.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Jamestown, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many older adults in the community faced barriers to staying connected, from limited transportation to difficulty using digital tools. The center expanded learning opportunities by offering Technology for Seniors classes with new laptops and a Computer Corner, along with gardening workshops supported by raised beds, tools and plant lights. Participants practiced hands-on skills, grew flowers they later shared with others and gained confidence using computers to stay in touch with family. These programs continue to grow and will expand further once the center moves to a larger facility, creating ongoing opportunities for community members to build skills and maintain independence.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
New York City, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: In Southeast Queens, many older adults face a digital divide that limits access to health care and social connection. Forestdales Baby Genius program paired older adults with tech-savvy youth for hands-on training, teaching skills like texting, email attachments and app downloads. Ten youth tutors worked with 50 older adults in one-on-one sessions, while workshops and events reached more than 700 participants. The program reduced isolation and built confidence, enabling older adults to use telehealth and connect with family. One participant said learning to video chat with her daughter using her phone was "life-changing," and demand for more sessions continues to grow.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
San Francisco, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Community Living Campaign launched a neighborhood pilot to tackle accessibility barriers that made walking difficult for older adults and people with disabilities. In several San Francisco neighborhoods, broken sidewalks and blocked curb ramps disrupted daily errands, while residents had few clear ways to report problems or track follow up. The project showed residents how to spot issues and report them through city service channels. Older adults joined short walks, meetings and trainings that explained ADA basics and encouraged people to document hazards on their own or with neighbors. Hundreds of residents took part, generating reports shared with city partners. Participants said the effort restored a sense of purpose and connection. One resident said that after retiring she had felt "no longer needed," but that the project energized her and showed her contributions mattered. City agencies have begun weaving the training into ongoing community programs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
San Francisco, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: When the Florence Fang Asian Community Garden opened in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood in 2014, it focused on serving Asian immigrant elders and filled a need for green space and fresh food. This project expanded the garden, adding 3,000 square feet of gardening space and making it the second largest urban farm in San Francisco. The additional space allowed gardeners to try new techniques -- such as row planting -- that increased the garden's yields. Additionally, organizers upgraded the garden's compost system and set up beehives to help with pollinating crops. The larger harvest allowed garden organizers to distribute four tons of produce annually to local families in needs, including culturally relevant foods such as bok choy and Chinese chives.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP California State Office
200 S. Los Robles Avenue
Suite 400
Pasadena, CA 91101
United States