By SCS Intern Steven Swanger
Published 9/10/2026
The role of technology in our lives today is almost required, from applying for jobs, housing, government documents, or even just maintaining connections with family. For most of us, technology is easily accessible. We have all the opportunities to charge our phones at our homes, use Wi-Fi, use our computers if needed, and keep the same mobile number and e-mail IDs for many years. However, what about the people who lack such luxuries?
Technological challenges create a greater obstacle for unhoused individuals to reach stability. Many unhoused individuals have cell phones. While owning a cell phone is one thing, accessing the internet through a cell phone and having sufficient data are another. Studies have recently shown that problems such as lack of mobile data, device costs, and difficulty in charging devices have created problems in terms of connectivity for unhoused individuals. Having a phone that is not charged has a bigger impact than many individuals think. A situation like a dead phone can have consequences that go further than one would expect. That unanswered phone call could be from a potential employer. That unread text could be a reminder about a doctor’s appointment. The email may include details regarding housing or benefits. When a person does not have consistent access to their phone or the internet, accessing these resources becomes very difficult.
The increase in services moving to the internet makes the problem even worse. Applications for jobs, housing, healthcare, and benefits all typically require an internet connection. Even communication with loved ones is becoming more dependent upon a person having a functioning phone. What good are any of these things if the people who need them cannot access them?
And that is where The Compass Station comes in. At Shoreline Community Services, The Compass Station gives unhoused neighbors the opportunity to use computers and charging stations. These tools can assist Guests with searching for job opportunities and housing, filling out applications, accessing necessary information, connecting with the needed resources, and staying connected with family and friends.
Unfortunately, it is not always enough just to have access to the technology. The process of applying online and the usage of websites can be complicated, especially when one is experiencing the stress of not having a place to live. In addition to this, recent studies have found that the help and support could be crucial for getting rid of digital obstacles such as lack of Internet, charging devices, and website navigation. The help of somebody can make a huge difference.
The individual might also require assistance to set up an email address, complete the application process online, or find the appropriate website. Although such activities appear to be easy to do for individuals with consistent access to technology, these activities would become yet another challenge to those without access to technology, a computer, and the internet.
Individuals at The Compass Station have a space where they can have access to all necessary technologies while pursuing their goals and needs. Technology is supposed to be assisting people to have greater access to opportunities, not creating another barrier.
In an era where our lives are becoming progressively digitized, it is essential to have access to a computer, internet connection, and a fully charged phone. In the case of unhoused individuals, the mentioned services assist in maintaining contact with the job, housing provider, healthcare professional, benefit provider, or family member.
Through assistance with the digital divide, Shoreline Community Services is not only providing access to technology but also removing yet another barrier to success.
Works Cited
Agustin, Rudolfo, et al. “Evaluating Access to Cellphones for Telehealth Among People Experiencing Homelessness.” Telemedicine and e-Health, vol. 32, no. 5, 2026, pp. 508–515. https://doi.org/10.1177/15305627261417926.
Adams, Emily, et al. “Digital Interventions for Older People Experiencing Homelessness: Systematic Scoping Review.” Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 27, 2025, e63898. https://doi.org/10.2196/63898.
Shoreline Community Services. https://shorelinecs.org/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.