Increasingly, the Homeless Log On When They're Down and Out

Regardless of the intent of those who recently posted images of homeless men using laptops, a discussion has emerged around the more-common-than-one-might-think bewilderment at how a homeless person could possibly (1) acquire a technological device and (2) benefit from one.

To many, a homeless person with a laptop might evoke the assumption that the laptop was acquired through illegal means (stolen, purchased on the black market, etc.). But Moore's Law would suggest otherwise. The exponential rate of technological improvement has yielded $50 cell phones and $150 laptops — and that's just retail price. In addition to charities that give away electronics, wholesalers and secondhand stores often sell used computers and other items for pennies on the dollar. (Of course, computers and other gadgetry can also be among what little is "left over" for people who were recently housed.) Beyond being affordable, technology can even provide an income stream for the homeless.

Technology's benefits to the homeless are even more apparent than its affordability. The advent of email, cellular phones and blogs has helped improved the plight of many homeless individuals as they attempt to move off of the streets and into permanent housing. Although providers of homeless services sometimes furnish mailbox and/or telephone services to their guests, email allows homeless individuals to have a permanent means of contact no matter their housing situation. Free computer and internet access at local libraries allows for reliable, written communication even without a permanent address (just ask some bloggers and commenters on this site). For things like obtaining food stamps, inquiring about housing, and understanding other essential services, cell phones have proven to be extremely useful tools.

Beyond obtaining services and providing for basic communication, technology — specifically, web-based publishing platforms — has allowed for a never-before-seen level of outreach and advocacy. In addition to websites promoting advocacy and social movements (this one included), many homeless people have used blogging as a way to raise awareness and share their stories (see: here and here, among others). The new site WeAreVisible.com provides guidance on getting involved in social media like Facebook and Twitter, as well as setting up an email address and a blog.

Technology has now become as, if not more,  important to the lives of homeless people as it is to those who are housed. It's affordable. It's helpful. It shouldn't be surprising.

Photo credit: C y r i l l i c u s