Social Networking for the Homeless, Eh?

by Ted Iobst · 2010-10-30 09:00:00 UTC
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As discussed in my last post (and its comments), to the surprise of many there is no absence of technology in the homeless community. In fact, cell phones and computers have proven to be lifelines to critical services and resources for many homeless individuals and families. But technology's impact on the homeless doesn't end with signing up for food stamps and searching for jobs, at least not if you live in Canada.

Daniel Cross, a documentary filmmaker who focuses on social justice and the homeless, has created Homeless Nation, a forum where Canada's homeless community can share their stories with each other and the world. It calls itself "the only website in the world created by and for the street community." (Worldwide, it's worth checking out the International Homeless Forum and, in the U.S, We Are Visible for web tutorials.)

The goals of the non-profit effort include building and strengthening street communities, both virtual and actual, across Canada; providing training and access to the internet for the country's homeless population; and recycling and re-purposing technology for use by homeless people.

    Homeless Nation currently boasts almost 5,000 users on its online forum. There, users can upload audio and video, post blog entries and comments, search for missing persons and access resources. Even better, the online presence is complemented by the organization's outreach staff, who work with the homeless community throughout Canada, improving access to computer equipment and assisting those who want to have their voices heard.

    The United States has a long history of importing things from Canada — petroleum, poutine, and, of course, Alex Trebek. Why not make it one more and bring an organization like Homeless Nation to the good old US of A?

    Photo credit: Michael Gil

    Ted Iobst blogs about hunger, homelessness and poverty in Washington, D.C. at HelpTheDistrict.org and volunteers at Miriam's Kitchen.
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