March, 26, 2013 - San Antonio Housing Authority

SAN ANTONIO HOUSING AUTHORITY March 26, 2013
To:
MEMORANDUM
From:
1rez, President and CEO
Presented by: Jo Alvarado, Director of Information Technology
Adrian Lopez, Director of Community Development Initiatives
RE:
Update and discussion regarding the installation of Wi-Fi at select public
housing sites
SUMMARY:
SAHA will provide Internet and computer access to local Public Housing residents with the
installation of free Wi-Fi in the community rooms of select properties.
One of SAHA's six primary strategic goals is to "empower and equip families to improve their
quality of life and achieve economic stability," and this initiative provides families and seniors
with access to much-needed resources.
Project Overview
The 1 51 phase of this initiative, which will be completed by March 31,2013, includes:
1. Wi-Fi to 30 communities:
o Wi-Fi will be available to residents on computers installed in community rooms
• The computer rooms are being equipped with physical locks on all
installed desktop computers
• Surge protectors are being used to protect from power surges
o Wi-Fi will be available to residents in the community centers for those residents
that have personal devices able to connect wirelessly.
• This public access for residents is similar to other public wireless
networks installed by the City of San Antonio, public libraries, and VIA
Metropolitan Transit
• Access to secure public sites is handled at the site level through HTTPS
• Default internet security configurations will be used for browser security
o Wi-Fi will be secured in accordance with SAHA security policies
• SAHA is using a content filter to block undesirable sites
• SAHA is installing local firewall protection
• SAHA is installing antivirus, spam ware and malware software
2. Resource computers will be installed - with wireless connectivity in the community rooms
of select sites
3. "Learning centers" will be established - at a minimum of three (3) in select communities
(defined as where partners will provide on-site services utilizing the Wi-Fi and computer
infrastructure)
To date, Wi-Fi and computers have been installed at five SAHA properties: O.P. Schnabel,
Victoria Plaza, Fair Ave and Jewett Circle (Elderly) communities, and Westway, a multi-family
community located in Northwest San Antonio. The Westway community project will be unveiled
on March 26, 2013, and will recognize the Resident Council and their efforts to establish a
wonderful learning center environment, with new paint, children's work tables and bookshelves.
Agenda Item No.11