Technology and connection to the internet has become a huge part of most everyone’s lives, with only 11% of the American population not using the internet.

What used to be considered a “luxury” expense has now become a necessity.

There are many variables and barriers that can determine whether people have access to technology, but no one can deny that having that access has many different benefits.

Here are just a few ways that technology can benefit homeless and low income individuals:

Contact with family and friends

For many people in the homeless community, family and old friends live in different parts of the country. Technology like social media, email, and basic messaging apps allow for communication with those people which lowers feelings of isolation 

Potential job opportunities

Finding potential job opportunities in today’s society can be a challenge without technology. Most organizations post about their job openings online and even ask for applications and resumes to be sent through online correspondence. This is a huge step in ending the homelessness cycle.

Finding resources

Just like with job opportunities, many resources available to help people are posted online. Having access to technology can help those in need to find shelter, hot meals, showers, and many other basic human needs.

Apps are being developed to also help in finding resources. The apps include lists of necessities, where to go to receive the items/services, maps of various service locations, and contact information.

Staying up to date on news

Staying connected with news sources can be essential for many reasons. One major reason is to make sure certain areas are safe to be around. If an area is unsafe, all peoples need to be informed in order to get away from the situation. It can also keep people updated with new policies that could potentially affect their lives. Everyone has a right to know what is going on in the world around them.

Thrive DC strives to help our clients every way we possibly can.

That is why we have a computer lab available to anyone in the community who may not otherwise have readily available access to the internet or who need assistance with employment readiness. The lab is open every week day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Clients can sign up for hour time slots at 8:30 a.m. during morning programming. The last two hours of the computer lab program are reserved for women only.

Each week, the lab is reserved Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for the Employment Workshop. This is a time for clients to get one-on-one help with writing resumes and cover letters, completing job applications, and searching for job opportunities.

For more information on how you can volunteer with the Employment Workshop, check out our volunteer page!

By Cayley, Development & Communications Intern at Thrive DC

Cayley is a senior at Oklahoma State University studying Agricultural Communications. She has a passion for helping others and hope her words can inspire others to feel the same.