“On Homelessness: How Technology can Combat the Issue After it Occurs”

Authors: Luke Bossalini, Kevin Bruckner, Derek Rose, and Vinny Sceri

Marist College

December 2015

Abstract

The research conducted in this study examines the effects of technology in conjunction

with homelessness. In pursuing this topic, scholarly research was used to understand the issue--

its causes, its effects, and its remedies--in a macrocosmic sense. With a baseline of scholarly

research, we contacted several experts on the topic in Dutchess County specifically. In turn, their

testimonials provided a microcosmic insight into the issue. Finally, we contacted a small sample

of people who were experiencing homelessness first-hand. Throughout the process, we

consistently inquired about how to utilize technology to effectively alleviate homelessness. The

results demonstrated that online crowdfunding is likely the most effective method of combatting

the issue after it occurs. This paper includes the methods used to conduct research, along with

multiple conclusive findings to support the theory that a crowdfunding platform could aid the

homeless community.

Overview:

Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all people possess an

inherent right to housing, including those faced with “unemployment, sickness, disability,

widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond [their] control” (UN

General Assembly, Article 25). We, too, believe that shelter is a basic human right and we also

believe the utilization of advancements in technology provides the best means to facilitate this

right, especially at a community level. Based on four months of research drawn from the work of

scholars in the field, the testimonials of local homeless advocates, and interviews with people

who have experienced homelessness first-hand, our findings indicate that online crowdfunding is

an effective way to alleviate this rampant social issue.

To demonstrate this point, this paper will consist of six sections, each detailing a different

form of research. These sections will be: overview, scholarly research, advocate testimonials,

interviews with homeless individuals, our personal testimonials, and conclusions. The paper will

begin by broadly assessing the causes and effects of homelessness in the United States, as well as

major examples of how technology affects homelessness. Then, the scope of the paper will

gradually narrow to focus on homelessness in a microcosmic sense and illustrate how online

crowdfunding can help communities like those found in Dutchess County. This area is home to

roughly 300,000 citizens and has a relatively average rate of homelessness within the state of

New York at 13.6 people per 10,000 residents (Mid-Hudson Valley 1).

Scholarly Research:

In general, scholars contend that homelessness is one of the most difficult social issues to

research. Cynthia J Bogard (2015), a sociologist and professor at Hofstra University, discusses

the pitfalls of researching homelessness in her article, “Seasons Such as These: How

Homelessness Took Shape in America.” She writes that homelessness is a particularly opaque

topic because of its “varied definitions” (p. 219). For example, New York City and Washington

D.C.—two cities with some of the largest homelessness populations in the U.S.—define the term

in entirely different ways. The former defines homeless people as “mentally-ill victims of

deinstitutionalization,” while the latter considers them “normal human beings who were victims

of economic exploitation and entitled to shelter in fulfillment of basic social justice” (Bogard,

2015, p. 219). Clearly, the contrast of these two definitions provides for subjective, inexact

figures regarding homelessness. Other challenges in understanding the nuances of the issue

include an inability to sustain consistent contact with subjects, cases where multiple factors led

to homelessness, and subjects being unwilling to cooperate.

Subsequently, the specific causes of homelessness are also incredibly difficult to

measure. In an article entitled, “Homelessness and Wealth,” Jeffrey Turnbull, Wendy Muckle,

and Christina Masters (2007) write: “The reality of what brings one to the streets and the

circumstances that lead to chronic homelessness are infinitely more complex” than it appears (p.

177). With that being said, however, the vast majority of researchers do agree on several

common factors, such as: poverty, unemployment, lack of social and family support, failed

government policy, psychiatric illness, drug and alcohol addiction, and incarceration.

In recent years, mental illness has risen to the forefront of homeless research, as it is now

deemed one of the most common causes of the issue. According to a study conducted by the

Suffolk County Mental Health Project in 1998—when mental-health was first being addressed as

a cause—15 percent of subjects diagnosed with psychotic disorders “had experienced at least one

episode of early-course homelessness” (Herman, 1998, p. 111). Additionally, the risk of lifetime

homelessness is “roughly five times the age-adjusted estimated risk of lifetime homelessness in

the U.S. population” (Herman, 1998, p. 111). This can include naturally occurring mental

illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc., or psychoses that develop in the midst of a

person’s life, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These findings are consistent with countless

other studies conducted to research the major causes of homelessness. In a 1984 article published

in the Yale Law & Policy Review, the “massive deinstitutionalization” of mentally-ill patients

was identified as one of the top three major causes of homelessness (Strauss, 1984, p. 552). At

the time of their research, they concluded that roughly 10-20 percent of homeless people were

mentally-ill. This figure appears to have remained consistent for the past three decades, as it is

corroborated by other figures, like those previously mentioned by the Suffolk County Mental

Health Project. Many also consider mental illness a deterrent to gathering reliable research. In

their article, “Designs on Dignity: Perceptions of Technology Among the Homeless,”

sociologists Christopher A. Le Dantec and W. Keith Edwards (2008) noted that mental illness

tends to blur a subject’s memory and the “relevant details” of their lives (p. 635). In the end,

mental illness poses a treacherous cycle for the contemporary state of homelessness. It not only

adds to the homeless population, but it often averts effective research from being done in the

field.

The Yale Law & Policy Review study also noted that high unemployment is another

primary cause of homelessness. In fact, “chronically unemployed individuals comprise most of

the ‘new homeless’ who are mobile and physically and mentally-capable, but who have little

opportunity for advancement” (Strauss, 1984, p. 552). They, of course, are not alone in this

proposition. Three Australian researchers concluded that, “unemployment makes it difficult to

secure a suitable home” and that at least 65 percent of homeless subjects face chronic

unemployment (Grace, 2008, p. 23, 26).

Several of the previously mentioned articles proposed preventative measures to combat

either unemployment or mental illness before it leads to homelessness. The Australian group

stated that, “prevention of homelessness rests on structural and institutional reforms” (Grace,

2008, p. 24). They added that “the provision of non-stigmatising services to young people” was

especially vital, as stabilizing the younger population would likely stave off the issue for the rest

of their lives (Grace, 2008, p. 24). Strauss and Tomback were also among the researchers to

advocate for preventative measures, specifically regarding mental-health rehabilitation. They

contend that not enough states “have emphasized rehabilitation in their programs for the

homeless” and that their efforts are “structurally flawed and lacks a sufficient commitment to a

solution to the problem of homelessness” (Strauss, 1984, p. 555, 560).

Despite the many assertions that preventative measures are one of the most effective

ways to decrease homelessness, this paper is particularly concerned with measures that can be

taken post-homelessness. In some cases, a person or family might end up homeless due to

reasons outside of any potential policy—or lack thereof. These instances especially call for a

solution to the issue after it occurs, one that will prevent chronic homelessness or any other

severe ramification of the issue. One study previously mentioned, “Designs on Dignity:

Perceptions of Technology Among the Homeless,” offers several key ways technology can help

the issue. Specifically, they comment on the importance of “staying connected” (Le Dantec,

2008, p. 63). They contend that a lack of access to news outlets, social connections, and contact

with loved ones are major reasons why homeless people are unable to escape the cycle of

homelessness. They contend that “thoughtful technological innovations,” can drastically help

“reduce homelessness and help the most at-risk members of our society” (Le Dantec, 2008, p.

633). However, there is a major flaw in their proposal, one which the researchers do address.

Access to technology among homeless people “varied widely,” creating a major limitation to

their plan of action (Le Dantec, 2008, p. 632).

As a result, this paper asserts that technology can still be effective in alleviating

homelessness after it occurs, but it is more effective when used by stable residents of a

community, not the homeless themselves. The solution that appears to have the strongest upside

is online crowdfunding. In the past few years, a copious amount of online, donation-based

platforms have arisen. Some sites, like GoFundMe or Kiva, have made immense strides in

crowdfunding for a variety of issues. Other sites have found success specifically targeting

homelessness; companies like this include HandUp, Project Cool, and WeShelter. Many

researchers have commented on this burgeoning method. In a 2015 study published by Grand

Valley State University, the researchers write that crowdfunding is typically considered, “the use

of small amounts of capital from a large number of individuals to finance a new business

venture” (Cook, 2015, p. 4). However, the model can also be used to benefit the “poor and

homeless” (Cook, 2015, p. 6). By making tangible donations, such as toiletries, preservable food,

clothes, etc., the quality of life for homeless people can be easily improved.

According to statistics published by Fundable, a major crowdfunding site founded in

2012, “social media is a critical factor in crowdfunding success” (Fundable, 2015, p. 1).

Crowdfunding is also largely popular among younger demographics. According to Fundable,

“Individuals ages 24-35 are much more likely to participate in crowdfunding campaigns”

(Fundable, 2015, p. 1). As this generation ages, it is fair to assume they will continue using

online crowdfunding at a higher rate than the older generation; in turn, new generations more

acquainted with technology will also access online crowdfunding. The growing appeal of this

platform will aid the homeless community for years to come.

Local Advocate Testimonials:

Along with scholarly research, we spoke to several homeless experts in Dutchess County.

Their testimonials focus on homelessness in a microcosmic scale, yet the findings remain

consistent with both national and international research. This particularly reinforces the utility of

online crowdfunding, as every advocate we met with came from a different non-profit

organization and, therefore, harbored their own agendas and experiences regarding

homelessness.

We asked each advocate how they got involved with homelessness and to provide their

pertinent experience. Some fell into the position, while others actively pursued the job, but all

made it quite clear that they found their work fulfilling. We spoke Josh Otero of Dutchess

Outreach, who had just recently come into a position of social advocacy, all the way to experts

like Barbara Harrison, who has spent over thirty years in field.

The first organization we contacted was Community Housing Innovations (CHI) of Hyde

Park. The program, run by Scott Mendelson, houses the less fortunate and provides ways to help

them escape the cycle of homelessness. There are several requirements to stay in CHI. For

example, residents must partake in frequent job and house searches each week. In this regard,

they are held accountable for actively pursuing a way out of homelessness.

One of our main concerns while researching was whether or not the general homeless

population had access to technology. Talking to Mr. Mendelson reassured us that our design

would, in fact, be plausible and effective. Furthermore, he informed us that one of the primary

needs among the homeless population was hygienic products. Mr. Mendelson told us that some

common donations--food, for example--are actually not as necessary as they might appear. In his

words, “Many homeless people have access to food, but not necessarily toiletries.” He also

suggested crowdfunding sites avoid monetary donations, as there is the chance that money might

do more harm than good. With his fourteen years of experience, Mr. Mendelson’s

encouragement spurred us to continue researching this topic. Along with the information and

insight, he provided us with a list of other experts throughout Dutchess County. This certainly

aided our efforts and simplified the research process.

Soon after, we met with Brother Frank Kelly of the Marist Brothers. He, too, was a great

resource for our project as he directed us to Catholic Charities and Dutchess Outreach. Brother

Frank works directly with the homeless community and partners with numerous advocacy

programs. After learning of project idea, he offered insights and refined the aspects which would

best help the homeless. Like Mr. Mendelson, he also agreed that it would be best to stay away

from monetary donations, and instead encouraged us to aggregate tangible resources. While he

appeared the most hesitant to fully endorse an online donation-based platform, he admitted it was

primarily due to limited experience directly working with such technology.

We later met Mary Marshall and Barbara Harrison, two administrators with Catholic

Charities, a non-profit organization located in Poughkeepsie, New York. Combined, both women

have over thirty-years experience in the field of social work. As a result, they have seen

homelessness in various facets as it has evolved through the years. One underlying message that

was continuously stressed by these two was the importance of treating the less fortunate with the

respect and love they deserve. Their company offers a multitude of services ranging from

financial literacy courses to counseling. Another main objective for them seemed to be the

improvement of quality of life for the individuals that walk through their doors. One thing made

clear was that these are not handouts, but rather a means to an end. The two advocates were

extremely encouraging upon hearing our idea for a central resource and sponsorship web page

that would aggregate resources to those in need. They made it quite clear that food was not a

resource that was desperately sought out, but instead proposed items that targeted personal

hygiene. The personal stories gathered from Mary and Barbera really endeared us to our project.

“At the end of the day, we love what we do at Catholic Charities,” Ms. Marshall said. “We wish

there weren’t as many people in need, but we hope to make an impact, no matter how small.”

The final advocacy group we reached out to was Dutchess Outreach, which was

considered by many to be the foremost center for homelessness in the area. We felt it was critical

to open a dialogue with them, as they deal with everything from housing solutions to job

placement. The individual who spoke to us from Dutchess Outreach was Josh Otero, a young

man who has a passion for change. Mr. Otero told us that he was previously involved in multiple

charitable organizations such as the Alliance for Quality Education of New York. Mr. Otero was

fairly new to the job, but his enthusiasm provided us with some real useful information. One idea

he pointed out was the common misconceptions surrounding homeless people. When asked what

he thought was one the major problems facing the homeless, he said, “People don’t look at the

homeless in the right way. They are seen as failed members of society, but really they are just

people, people who need help.” This idea truly resonated with us. Mr. Otero went on to talk

about some of the reasons certain individuals become homeless. He said that unfortunately, some

people are just victims of circumstance. Challenges such as increasing rent or even downsizing

in the workplace lead to homelessness.

Research Questions for Advocates:

1) How did you get involved with Community Housing Innovations?

2) Past work experience with homelessness?

3) Locally, what are some of the primary causes of homelessness?

4) Which areas in the Hudson Valley have the highest homeless population or need the most

help?

5) What’s the average education level?

6) Is it common for them to have any job experience?

7) How long have most been homeless?

8) How often do they interact with anyone?

9) Biggest challenge on a daily basis? Hunger, cold, hygiene, etc.

10) What items would be most beneficial to donate to them?

11) If homeless people attempted to get out of the cycle, how do they do so?

12) What ways does technology help homeless people? Crowdfunding, awareness, etc.

13) In your experience, what type of technology do homeless people have access to?

14) Basically, do you think this idea has the potential to be effective?

15) Do you think homeless people would be open to being sponsored on our website?

16) Best ways to contact homeless people?

First-Hand Homelessness:

On November 20th, 2015, the researchers of this paper visited the Lunch Box, a soup kitchen

located in Dutchess County. Over the course of several hours, eight homeless residents were

interviewed—five male, three female. The sample size is certainly too small to make any major

assertions regarding homelessness; rather, these interviews are supplementary to the

aforementioned scholarly research and the testimonials of local homeless advocates.

Interviewees ranged from 34 to 63 years-old and the duration of homelessness ranged from two

weeks to 36 years. The diverse image of homelessness depicted by these interviews is reflective

of our overall research.

The first man interviewed was the oldest of the eight and the one who experienced homelessness

longest. Without speculating too much, the subject made comments consistent with mental-

health issues. “I became homeless when my parents were forced to leave the coven,” he said. He

added that he was a martial arts teacher of thirty years who was currently on sabbatical. While

the subject’s train-of-thought appeared coherent throughout the conversation, he often made

claims which undercut previous ones—such as his occupation. Later in the interview, he claimed

to have worked in the mental-health field for ten years before being fired for undisclosed

reasons. The subject declined to answer what position he held in the mental-health field. This

interview demonstrates many of the difficulties in gathering reliable research on homelessness.

However, other interviews yielded useful, lucid results. One 44 year-old said that she and her

husband had been homeless for roughly a month. According to her, they became homeless after

her husband, a laborer, injured himself while working. He went on to lose his job and, since the

couple had yet to receive any worker’s compensation, they were evicted from their home. They

sent their three children to live with their grandparents until they could find a new source for

housing. The woman said that she had been offered a job as a taxi driver in Poughkeepsie;

however, she could not afford the $40 fee needed to upgrade her driver’s license. She noted that

the hardest part of homelessness—from what she had experienced that far—was having to sleep

outside in harsh conditions.

Another woman, 41 years-old, said she had been homeless for just two weeks. When asked how

she became homeless, she said that it was her decision. After her house was broken into, she felt

“safer living on the streets than in [her] own house.” She believed she would be able find a home

within the next month. Her testimony illustrates the fact that people can become homeless due to

a variety of causes; yet, one’s own choice is rarely considered a cause of homelessness. She

declined to comment when asked what the most difficult part of homelessness was, as she did

not feel qualified enough to answer given the brief duration she had been homeless.

More interesting information was gathered from a conversation with two homeless men who

were interviewed simultaneously. One of them, 38 years-old, said he became homeless two years

ago when his mother died and his father kicked him out of their house. He considered boredom,

or the sense of aimlessness, to be the most difficult aspect of the issue. The second man, 36

years-old, considered himself to be “chronically homeless.” He added that he had been living on

the streets intermittently for roughly seven years. He said that drug abuse was the main factor

that led him to become homeless, though he did not specify the type of drug. Finally, he added

that Dutchess County was fairly active in helping the homeless in comparison to other areas.

Finally, a 35 year-old woman said that she, too, had been homeless on and off for roughly eight

years. “The first time I became homeless was because of drugs,” she said. “The second was

because of a man, and the third was because I tried to help people too much.” She also felt that

more should be done to help the homeless, specifically in the creation of job opportunities.

Every subject responded that they did believe a web-based platform to acquire donations would

be beneficial if implemented in Dutchess County. Some certainly appeared more convinced than

others, but, at the very least, subjects felt that any effort to alleviate homelessness would be

beneficial. One subject felt that many homeless people would be “too afraid or embarrassed” to

be sponsored on the site, but for those who did choose to be sponsored, they would be better off.

Speaking to people who were experiencing homelessness first-hand was certainly the most

enlightening part of research. They provided a staggering and poignant view into their lives and,

although some of the research may be unreliable, many of their comments reinforced ideas seen

in prior research.

Research Questions:

1) How long have you been homeless?

2) What factors led to you becoming homeless?

3) What is the hardest part about being homeless?

4) Is enough being done in Dutchess County to better the issue?

5) Do you believe a web-based platform to acquire tangible donations could help alleviate

homelessness?

Personal Testimonials:

The idea to research homelessness began in the spring of 2015. While studying abroad in

Dublin, Ireland, one of our researchers interviewed three homeless people for another academic

project. In the months that followed, the desire to make a social impact remained. This

assignment presented an opportunity to further research homelessness.

Prior to beginning the research, our perception of the homeless population in Dutchess

County was quite limited and, as a result, has changed dramatically throughout the experience.

Personally, we rarely saw this issue in our hometowns or even in the city of Poughkeepsie. Being

exposed to this environment has opened our eyes and provided us with a new understanding of

the struggles these individuals face.

One of the main insights that we found while conducting research, was the sheer

magnitude of the issue in Dutchess County. There are over 400 hundred local residents facing

homelessness. Along with the amount of homelessness in Dutchess County, we were unaware of

the reasons behind the epidemic. If you had asked us before the start of the project what the main

causes of homelessness were, our answer would likely have been a lack of education or drug

abuse. Although those factors certainly contribute to the issue, there is much more to it. We

eventually learned that a portion of homeless people have college degrees and have even held

high-ranking jobs. Talking to multiple advocates truly shed some light on a problem that can

affect anyone and everyone.

Finally, one of the more intriguing aspects we identified were the factors that cause a

person to remain homeless. Again, we had a skewed perception of these causes prior to

conducting our research; we likely would have said that people remain homeless because they

cannot escape bad habits such as drug abuse, alcoholism, or committing petty crimes.

At first, the project seemed daunting, but despite the challenges we faced along the way

we found the research to be extremely rewarding. We no longer view the homeless as broken

members of society, but instead as people who have stumbled and would greatly benefit from

community activism. With this message in mind, we hope to illustrate that a community-based

charity will finally curb homelessness.

Conclusion:

Over the course of our research, we validated that homelessness in Dutchess County is, in fact, a

very real and prominent issue. Advocates told us stories of injustice, bigotry, and loss. Those

affected by these issues are more susceptible to end up homeless. As students, our concept of this

social issue matured throughout the project and left us with a better understanding of

homelessness. It was deeply impactful to hear the testimonials of people who have gone through

so much.

In the end, it appears there is no single cause of homelessness and, therefore, no single solution.

In many cases a myriad of factors may lead to a person becoming homeless. Mental health issues

might prevent someone from obtaining a job; drug and alcohol addiction might pair with

poverty. In this same vein, preventative measures and post-homeless measures are needed to

combat the issue. With that being said, the research indicates that online crowdfunding is a

plausible and effective way to better the issue after it occurs.

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Herman, D., Susser, E., Jandorf, L., Lavelle, J., & Bromet, E. (1998). Homelessness Among

Individuals With Psychotic Disorders Hospitalized for the First Time: Findings From the Suffolk

County Mental Health Project. American Journal of Psychiatry AJP, 115(1), 109-113.

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http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/region/housing/healthy-

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Le Dantec, C., & Edwards, W. (2008). Designs on Dignity: Perceptions of Technology Among

the Homeless.

Strauss, S., & Tomback, A. (1984). Homelessness: Halting the Race to the Bottom. Issue 2,

Volume 3(10).

Turnbull MD MEd, J., Muckle RN MHA, W., & Masters BSc, C. (2007). Homelessness and

health.177.