“When knowledge and resources are shared, people have the power to achieve their dreams. Ultimately, that benefits the entire community.”
Albert Harrison was born and raised in the Alice Griffith Housing Project, a low-income housing development in Bayview Hunters Point. The neighborhood has a high rate of unemployment, coupled with high crime rates.
Determined to forge a bright future for himself and his family, Albert sold men’s and women’s clothing from the trunk of his car. Albert accepted the opportunity to join TEAMS (Transformation through Education and Mutual Support), a program supported by United Way’s Bay Area Community Fund that promotes healthy, self-reliant communities.
With TEAMS’ support, Albert learned how to improve his credit score, raise capital and obtain a business license. Today, he is the proud owner of a women’s clothing store, Yum Yum Fashion, and a Metro PCS cellular phone franchise. Albert is now an active TEAMS leader, sharing the skills he learned with other community members.
“Supporting TEAMS is one of several investments that we are making in Bayview,” said Eric McDonnell, United Way executive vice president. “We’re supporting families by layering investments in early childhood development, healthcare access, youth violence prevention and economic opportunities for low-wage families.”
