Tech Access for People Experiencing Homelessness
Denver Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The Denver Public Library (DPL) works to bridge the digital divide in the communities it serves as part of the library’s efforts to challenge inequity through ensuring equitable internet access for digitally disconnected residents. One of the ways DPL does this is through providing technology access and support for people experiencing homelessness.
Challenge/Opportunity
COVID made the digital divide more evident than ever, this is especially true for members of our community who are experiencing homelessness. Access to a device and the internet is crucial for individuals to access resources, apply for jobs or benefits or secure housing. Not everybody can make it into a library location to use computers or connect to the internet. Because of this, DPL meets people experiencing homelessness where they are to provide the technology access they need.
Key Elements of Innovation
We visit temporary housing sites to provide technology and support. DPL Digital Navigators, the community resources team and bookmobiles visit sites to provide technology access, one-one-one education, and circulating technology to check out. We partnered with PCs for People to provide free Chromebooks and hotspots and helped individuals apply for internet service through the Affordable Internet Connectivity Program. We also launched Phones for People to provide mobile phones with prepaid service.
Achieved Outcomes
- 438 mobile phones with 12 months of prepaid service distributed to people experiencing homelessness or other challenges
- Distributed 245 laptops and 100 hotspots
- Ongoing tech education and help through regular visits to sites
- Made laptops and hotspots available to new residents on a regular basis as they obtain placement at a site
- Expanded the program to offer laptops and hotspots to homeless youth referred through local non profit Urban Peak
- Digital Navigators held 2528 sessions with 818 individuals across Denver
