Will Twitter Transform Homeless Services in 2010?

by Shannon Moriarty · 2009-12-20 11:52:00 UTC
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New media has transformed the way people communicate and stay in touch. In 2009, Twitter was dubbed one of the fastest-growing new media technologies. Is it possible that this social networking and micro-blogging platform will revolutionize the way service providers meet the emergency needs of homeless families and individuals in 2010?

This may seem far-fetched today. But three years ago, who would have predicted that homeless shelters would be scrambling to create Facebook profiles? While the jury is still out regarding Twitter's long-term staying power, its strengths are well-suited to improve the way homeless service providers meet emergency needs of the homeless. Just consider this example of Twitter in action:

An LA mother and her nine-year old son have been homeless and living out of their van. Earlier this week, their van was towed by the city - along with all of their clothing and belongings. Horvath, who works during the day as an outreach worker for an LA-area shelter, tweeted the following message:

That message was received by several thousand followers. One person responded to Horvath's message, and offered to purchase clothing, food, and even a few toys for the family. Needless to say, the family was thrilled; the young mother said it was the first time she and her son had received new clothes in a very long time. Horvath documented much of the event on video, and has since blogged about the entire ordeal here.

This story illustrates several reasons that Twitter just might become the next big thing for shelter providers. It put a personal face on homelessness - a mother and her nine year-old son - rather than a nameless faceless organization. The needs of this family were not overwhelming; they were immediate and specific. Finally, Horvath was connected with a large network of people in LA who care about the issue of homelessness and were motivated to act.

This example is just the beginning of the potential of Twitter to improve services to the homeless. Twitter could also be used as an advocacy tool - mobilizing groups of people for rallies, sit-ins, or lobbying efforts. It could be used by people on the streets to connect with the services they need in dangerous weather conditions. Or it could be used as a way for case workers to provide support to clients in permanent housing. The possibilities are endless.

But the real question is this: is our homeless service system ready for such a dramatic change? Such a shift is not without unique challenges, such as maintaining a distinction between one's personal and professional persona and ensuring anonymity and privacy for homeless individuals. But as the shift is slowly made, it is exciting to imagine the potential of a Tweeting homeless sector.

Image: Switched.com

Shannon Moriarty has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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