Digital Divide and Homeless Youth

Lack of Access to Technology of the Homeless

In today's digital age, technology is an important aspect of our everyday lives. However, the issue of the digital divide that affects millions of homeless people worldwide is still often overlooked. Based on an annual nationwide survey conducted by the Office of Policy Development and Research (OPDR), there were approximately 580,000 people living without housing or in a temporary shelter last year in America, an increase from the previous year. Although this may not seem like a high number, it is evident that millions have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Those who are homeless often lack the money to afford access to technology and the internet. It is proven that 1 in 3 people who experience homelessness have no internet usage according to a study from the University of Southern California. Due to this issue, the homeless community often confront significant obstacles in their attempts to connect, learn, and become involved, as society becomes more dependent on technology and the internet. Homeless people already live in challenging conditions, and the digital divide makes it even harder for them to escape the cycle of homelessness.

Digital Barriers

At the time of the pandemic during COVID-19, staying connected to school has been extremely difficult for families without residences throughout a year of remote learning. Homeless youth face large obstacles to education in a time where online education has become the standard. Therefore, their development and future are restricted by their limited access to technology and the internet, which prevents them from continuing their education. These people are left behind as education becomes increasingly dependent on digital platforms for assignments, lectures, and resources, which feeds the cycle of homelessness and poverty. In addition, not only does technology have a great influence on education, it also offers valuable information on healthcare, employment opportunities, and social services. For the homeless community, the lack of access to these resources further excludes them from society. “For homeless families, not having access to technology makes everything harder,” stated Beth Vann-Turnbull, an executive director at Housing Families First. “Apartment applications, utility applications, job applications, Social Services applications, bus schedules … everything has to be done online now. If you don’t have access to the internet, you’re at even more of a disadvantage.” (Supan 2022). It is evident that basic necessities such as healthcare, job listings, and shelter options often require online applications. However, homeless youth struggle to access vital resources, making it very difficult to escape the cycle of homelessness.

What is being done to bridge the gap?

Youth homelessness and the digital gap have been addressed in recent years. Over $10 billion has been spent by the federal government in 2021 to increase Americans' access to the internet. The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is an example of a program that has been opened to help with this issue as people who qualify with their conditions receive $50 each month off their internet bill. The Emergency Connectivity Fund is another program that is targeted to keep students connected by reimbursing schools and libraries for equipment like Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, modem/router combos, and linked devices like laptops and tablets. There are many people who are already working towards resolving this issue, and you can also make a difference by sharing this information with those who are experiencing homelessness.

References

Supan, J. (2022, November 14). Homelessness and the digital divide: What it means and how to help. Allconnect. https://www.allconnect.com/blog/technology-and-homeless

Rhoades, H., Wenzel, S. L., Rice, E., Winetrobe, H., & Henwood, B. F. (2017, January 2). No digital divide? Technology use among homeless adults. Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless; Maney Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2017.1305140