The overall goal of the West Humboldt Park Community Technology Centers Project is to expand the capacity of the existing technology centers in West Humboldt Park to serve a greater number of community residents, to create a community database at the Development Council, and to maximize opportunities for community residents to gain access to computer technology and share community information. One third of all residents live below the federal poverty level.
Women head Forty-five percent of the households.
More than half of those households fall under the poverty line. The overall unemployment rate is more than twice the rate for Chicago as a whole. Street crimes such as drug peddling, panhandling, and muggings are commonplace. Low educational attainment among community residents and below average labor force participation compound the effects of poverty. Without substantial interventions such as those represented in the West Humboldt Park Community Technology Centers Project, it proves very difficult for residents to improve their economic situation.