Why Digital Equity Matters for the Homeless Population
Homelessness in the U.S. is hitting record highs, with over 771,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night – an 18% increase from last year. The rising cost of housing, inflation, and the lingering effects of the pandemic have made it harder than ever for people to find stability. But in today’s world, it’s not just about having a roof over your head – it’s about having access to the digital world, too. Everything from applying for a job to getting healthcare or securing government benefits is now online. If you don’t have internet access or the know-how to navigate digital systems, you’re stuck in a cycle that’s nearly impossible to break.
Think about it – how do you apply for jobs these days? Online. Need to schedule a doctor’s appointment? Online. Want to access housing resources, food assistance, or legal help? Yes, all online.
For folks experiencing homelessness, not having a smartphone, Wi-Fi, or basic digital skills means missing out on opportunities that could help them get back on their feet. Public libraries and shelters offer free Wi-Fi, but let’s be real – reliable access is still a huge challenge. And even when people have a phone, staying connected is tough when data plans are expensive and free Wi-Fi isn’t always secure.
The good news? People are stepping up. Across the country, organizations are working to bridge the digital gap, offering free computer access, internet services, and digital equity training designed specifically for those without stable housing. Nonprofits like EveryoneOn and NDIA are connecting folks with low-cost devices and teaching them essential digital skills. Some cities are even handing out free tablets and training to unhoused individuals so they can apply for jobs, stay in touch with loved ones, and access life-saving resources — like OPAL, a pilot offering a free, encrypted messaging platform to share housing opportunities in Rochester, MN that PathCheck has developed with ZVMS Street Medicine, which assumes reliable access to connected devices.
But there’s still a long way to go. Digital equity isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore – it’s a must. If we want to fight homelessness in a real way, we have to make sure people have the tools to navigate the modern world. And it’s not just up to the government – everyday people can help, too. Whether it’s donating old laptops, volunteering to teach digital skills, or supporting policies that make internet access more affordable.
At the end of the day, technology can be the key to breaking the cycle of homelessness. Without digital access, people are stuck. With it, they have a fighting chance. It’s time to make sure no one gets left behind in the digital age.
