Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center (Tel-Hi), founded in 1890, provides opportunities for individuals and families in our neighborhoods to enrich their quality of life. Focusing on low- to moderate income children, youth, families and seniors, we create and strengthen community bonds, provide health and wellness programs, and broaden education and cultural experiences.

Tel-Hi’s programs serve more than 500 children, youth, seniors, and community members daily.

Elizabeth Ashe and Alice Griffith, two young daughters of California pioneers, witnessed the plight of immigrant children in their neighborhood and decided to find a remedy. With a garden, nursery, library and health clinic, classes for parents and clubs for children, they incorporated the Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center for the ‘the improvement of social and hygienic conditions of Telegraph Hill and its neighborhoods.’

Griffith and Ashe devoted their lives to advocating for the disenfranchised residents of the area. After founding the Center, they opened Hill Farm Convalescent Home for Women and Children in Marin County. Following the 1906 earthquake and fire, the women began to rebuild the destroyed neighborhood house and clinic. In 1911, a day nursery opened near the canneries during the season to lessen the burden of childcare for families working there. As Griffith managed the clinic, Ashe continued to campaign for the needs of the community. She fought for Telegraph Hill not to be rebuilt in the same density as before the earthquake and publicly opposed smoking on streetcars. The physical location of Tel-Hi changed four times, in each instance adding more services to better serve its participants.

Tel-Hi and its neighborhood have changed extensively in the years since Griffith and Ashe, but the convictions and dedication of its founders remain. For the children, youth, families and seniors participating in Tel-Hi programs every day, the Center maintains its original mission—to sustain and enrich the lives of those in the community through direct services and advocacy.

Please click here to view “Place,” a documentary about Tel-Hi’s role in the community throughout its history. The 20-minute video features program participants and community activists speaking about what Tel-Hi has meant to them and to the wider community.