Staying Connected

If I asked you to tell me where many homeless people in America live, you might describe a cityscape or another urban setting. We imagine boxes set up in a dark ally or a sleeping bag strewn over a heating grate. Conjured silhouettes of people pushing shopping carts contrasted against the glare of neon marquees and traffic lights will drift into our thoughts. And while this might be appropriate for larger metropolitan areas like New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles, it excludes thousands of the homeless living in much smaller cites (but cites, nevertheless) like Missoula, Great Falls, and our own Kalipsell.

But there are many homeless who live in rural environments; in small unincorporated communities, the countryside, or camps in the woods. And while there are some advantages to living in the country (less crime, solitude, lack of harassment), there are also drawbacks. In larger cities, connectivity is not an issue. We don't often think of the role that the Internet can play in the lives of the homeless, but access to the Internet can be essential for helping someone improve their situation.

Job searches and résumés can be aptly updated. For people looking for employment, its vital to have a way to find opportunities to work. Job services can be searched and postings can be perused. This is not the case for those living in rural areas who do not have access to public libraries. Libraries offer an invaluable service to the whole community.

Phone service is another positive for people residing in cities. Montana is a vast and expansive area and receiving a cell phone signal can sometimes be challenging or even impossible, depending on where a person lives. When I was a kid (wow... I know have evolved into my grandparents), phones were stationary devices that tethered a person to the wall, allowing them approximately 15 feet to wander while they talked. Today, smart phones are instrumental for communication and life management. Bills are paid, appointments made, updates are posted, and research is conducted all with a swipe of the screen. Again, this is not possible for those living in rural areas.

And while an argument can be made that people choosing to live in these out-of-town environments are voluntarily forfeiting their rights to technology, there is still a significant population of the homeless who live in cities but do not have the ability to access the Internet because they either have no phone or transportation. Single parents sometimes are forced to chose between groceries, utilities, and rent or a cell phone plan. I've known numerous families who are frustrated because they cannot afford both. Living day to day means saving every cent and managing each paycheck. Often, someone on a tight budget cannot afford childcare, so trips to the local library are problematic. Or transportation becomes an issue if their residence is far away from Internet access.

And there are few things as frustrating as being surrounded by beneficial technology, without having the ability to take advantage. The Internet can be used for much more than Youtubing adorable kittens. It can be a lifesaver.