Why Homeless People Need Smartphones too

By Mary Stewart

I've often been judged for being homeless with a cell phone, but the fact is that cell phones are a worthwhile and necessary investment for the homeless.

While most of the outreach ministries insist that you go to their location to seek services, many of them only provide services on certain days at specific times, or otherwise require you to make an appointment.

It's usually wise to call ahead of time to find out their hours and whether they ask for documentation so you don't make a wasted trip. In order to do any of this, you need access to a phone.

In Palm Beach County, almost all homeless services are funneled through the Lewis Center. A few months ago, I called them to try to line up shelter for my friends who were being run out of their camps.

I was told that they would have to call and leave a message and a navigator would return their call within 48 hours to assess them. I was also informed that the Lewis Center had no beds available and that — if approved for shelter — they would receive an additional call once the center had a bed.

The frustrating part is that most of my friends didn't have a cell phone and I don't hang out in that area much. The ones who did have a phone struggled to find an outlet to charge it. So, how can they possibly obtain homeless services?

Obviously, a cell phone and access to an outlet.

I'm currently working with the Rapid Rehousing program, which provides funding for move-in costs and a short-term rental subsidy. At my initial intake appointment, I had to sign papers acknowledging the program requirements. One of the requirements is to have a working phone throughout your participation in the program.

If a homeless person doesn't have a cell phone, they can still go to Boca Helping Hands for a free meal, or head down to St. Ann's place for a bag lunch and a shower. They can still check themselves into detox at the Drug Abuse Foundation or go to a hospital if needed.

But even though homeless people can survive on a day-to-day basis without a phone, there are few options for obtaining shelter and overcoming homelessness in the absence of one.

Many people feel as though the answer to homelessness is a job — and that is true in some cases. However, it's common for homeless people to be disabled or struggle with other issues, such as mental illness, substance abuse or domestic violence, that need to be addressed.

Regarding those who are willing and able to work, they need to have a contact number for employers to reach them. Even if they are placed in a shelter or halfway house, they need to get a job to maintain housing as the Lewis Center, for example only provides 90 days of shelter and Changing Lives funds a mere 60 days in a halfway house.

Day labor is the only other option, but many homeless people don't camp near the labor pool and you have to be there very early. You also need to have an ID, Social Security card, and work boots. Although day labor income definitely helps, job availability is limited, and the work isn't steady enough to maintain housing.

As for those with disabilities, they need a working phone to keep in touch with doctors and the Social Security office. Phone interviews are often required to obtain benefits, including food stamps and SSI. They also need a phone to schedule doctors appointments and call 911 in the event of a medical emergency or behavioral health crisis.

If a homeless person struggles with drug addiction or alcoholism, they need a phone to be contacted when a bed is available in a treatment program and to keep in touch with members of 12 step programs. It's strongly suggested at recovery meetings that those seeking sobriety get phone numbers and call supportive people before picking up a drink.

Safety is another reason why it's important for homeless people to have a cell phone. Florida has one of the highest rates of homeless victimization,as previously reported by the Homeless Voice. If a homeless person is in imminent danger, they need to be able to call for help. This is especially true for homeless domestic violence survivors.

Some of the uses of cell phones may sound frivolous or unnecessary, but they make homelessness more bearable. Homeless people don't have televisions, and portable radios have become almost impossible to find. Cell phones offer a source of entertainment for homeless people.

You really don't need a subscription to Netflix or Hulu to enjoy movies or TV shows online. Homeless people can stream their favorite movies or shows for free with Tubi or Pluto. They can also jam out on YouTube or IHeart radio. Everyone needs to have a way to relax and unwind — even a homeless person.

If you live indoors, most likely, you mainly use your phone as a way to connect with others. Although cell phones are now used for every purpose under the sun, their primary purpose is still human connection. Nowadays, much of that connection is done through social media and text messages, but phones are still a means to connect with loved ones, doctors, employers, and even those overseas Facebook friends who you've never met in person and probably never will.

And it's no different for a homeless person. Many of us are estranged from our families but may still talk to that one relative who refuses to give up on us. If not, we use our cell phones to keep in touch with each other. Some of us even use social media apps — just not to post selfies or brag about our great life. When one of our friends relocates, gets off the street, or loses their phone, we often use social media to keep in touch.

We'll also sometimes look up the profiles of loved ones who we haven't seen in years just to see their picture and find out how they're doing.

Even though we use our phones to watch TV, listen to music, Google resources, and connect on Facebook, these few things can be done without a phone, thanks to our public library system.

For some homeless people, the library is their go-to hang out spot, while others never reap the benefits of the library system simply because reading really isn't their thing.

But the library is a great place to submit online applications, create a resume, check your Facebook, or even watch a movie on YouTube while your cell phone charges. Most libraries do have outlets and will let you sit there as long as you need to provided you're quiet.

If you don't camp near a library, I'd recommend taking the bus or riding your bike to one and stay for a couple hours. You can relax in the air conditioning, read a magazine, go online and apply for jobs and benefits. Even if you don't have a contact number, you can always list an email address, so employers have a way to reach you. first became homeless in 2005 after Hurricane Wilma destroyed my mobile home. Soon after, my daughter's father left me, and I, a spoiled young girl from North Palm Beach, landed on the streets alone and scared to death.

Although homeless people can still enjoy a hot meal at a soup kitchen and use the computers at the library without having a cell phone, the lack of one places them at a disadvantage. The Lewis Center requires phone interviews, and they don't email you when they have a bed. They call.

While many employers email applicants to schedule interviews, listing a contact number is mandatory on some online applications. If you try to skip over that question, you'll usually get an error message saying that it's a required field.

If you're homeless and looking for a way to obtain an affordable cell phone, you can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program. You will need to either provide proof of receiving SSI, Medicaid, or food stamps or obtain a copy of your SEQY from your local Social Security office as proof of income or lack thereof. Alternatively, you can go to Walmart and shop for a reasonably priced prepaid phone. Metro PCS has started to get relatively expensive for a homeless person's budget, but Boost Mobile has started advertising $10 basic plans.

If you aren't homeless and happen to hear the ringing of a phone coming from a panhandler's backpack or purse, please don't judge them. Having a cell phone doesn't necessarily mean that they're a fraud.

On the contrary, it means that part of their panhandling money is going towards a valuable investment that's needed for them to better their life.

It was actually a rebound fling in the woods that saved my life.

I fell in love with a drifter from Georgia who taught me how to survive. I built a hut out of pallets, plywood, and tarp. I even created an outdoor shower by running a garden hose through PVC piping and draping it over a fence.

While homelessness can be especially challenging for women who are out there on the streets alone, it can also make women stronger as they learn how to survive outdoors and persevere through the challenges of homelessness.

Once I met my husband though, my survival skills went out the window, and I began to rely on him for strength and security despite the domestic abuse — that was, until I became friends with Sally and Kitty.

Both women are about sixty years old, yet they were managing to make it on the streets. Sally is terminally ill and in and out of hospitals, outside on her own ever since her former boyfriend was beaten half to death and placed in a convalescent home.

I used to hang out and drink beer with Sally whenever my husband would go into a rage and I needed an escape. I’ve always admired her strength.

She carries heavy bags with her wherever she goes in spite of her age, weight, and health issues. A few times, I had to call paramedics to take her to the hospital. Once discharged, she'd return to the streets, more vibrant than ever.

Sally has seven kids and 13 grandkids, including a daughter around my age, so she knows how to give motherly advice. Although she was tough on me, she made me realize that I had the strength and courage to survive without my husband.

I'd often complain about mistreatment, and she'd tell me to leave my husband. Many times, I'd protest and use the excuse that I needed his help to survive. After having been raped, beaten, and robbed repeatedly while homeless, I felt safer being in an unhealthy relationship than on the streets alone. But Sally would hear none of it. "What are you talking about," she'd reply. "I have liver cancer and just got out of the hospital, and I'm out here on my own."

I must say, she had a point.

Eventually, my husband and I separated, and I set up my own camp. I attended college and worked as a freelance writer while homeless — all without a man. I'll always be grateful to Sally for helping me recognize my inner strength. If she can make it on the streets alone, any woman can.

Kitty is now in a long-term relationship and recently got off the streets, but she knows the challenges of homelessness all too well. She admits that substance abuse was the reason that she became homeless. She's thankful for her boyfriend and new home, but will never forget what it was like to live on the streets alone as a woman.

"It was scary," Kitty told me. "I was raped and beaten up several times, but the worst part about it was losing custody of my kids over drugs and homelessness."

Motherhood can be difficult for homeless women. I also lost custody of my children due to lack of stable housing and was pregnant a few times too while homeless. Once, I went into labor in a tent. Since I was financially incapable of caring for my children, I gave my youngest two up for adoption.

Sally, who preferred to not give her last name, sits in her tent in Palm Beach, Florida. | Photo by Mary Stewart for her. She managed to find true love while homeless.

Both Kitty and I have had the humiliating experience of our kids seeing us panhandle. I remember the time when I was holding a sign and suddenly saw my teenage daughter waving at me. Her friend handed me a dollar. Kitty had a similar embarrassing moment.

"I was panhandling in the median when a car window rolled down, and it was my daughter. She said, 'Really, Mom? Get in the car. I'll give you some money.' I was so embarrassed," Kitty said. Fortunately, there was a light at the end of the tunnel

"I met my boyfriend, Bigfoot, in the woods,” Kitty explains. “He was looking for a girl. I'm not that type but agreed to at least hang out with him. The next time I saw him, he protected me from the alligators in the canal."

I have personally been propositioned by men on multiple occasions while homeless and am not that kind of girl either. Sadly, most men don't want to associate with homeless women who refuse sexual relations. That can exasperate feelings of loneliness for a woman on the streets.

Aside from a few homeless men who became surrogate brothers, uncles, and fathers, most of my male friends

Kitty and boyfriend Bigfoot, who preferred to not give last had ulterior motives. Bigfoot was a better man than that, though. He simply enjoyed Kitty's companionship. They fell in love, and their relationship continues to blossom.

"Bigfoot loves me, protects me, and provides for me. I love him so much," she said with a lovestruck look in her eyes.

Kitty and Bigfoot have been together for 15 years now, with some of that time spent homeless. Although Bigfoot is an experienced contractor, the couple still struggled financially.

They had housing through one of Bigfoot's clients until their rental was foreclosed on without notice, leaving

— both them and their cats with nowhere to go. For four years, they lived in the woods in a makeshift home that Bigfoot built for them.

Like all fairy tales, Kitty and Bigfoot's story has a happy ending. With hard work and sacrifice, the couple managed to save enough money to move into an RV. When asked what she liked most about living indoors, Kitty's first response was, "Everything!"

After some thought, she amended her answer: "I like the fact that my grandkids can come visit me. I also like to lay in bed, watch TV, and take a shower."

Despite the hardships she faced, Kitty was also able to identify some positive aspects of homelessness.

"I liked the spiritual feeling of homelessness and having the opportunity to help others who were struggling,” she said. “I found true friends while I was homeless."

Sally and Kitty's stories illustrate female strength in the face of adversity and the hope of one day having a home and finding true love. However, Jessica is perhaps the most inspiring woman that I've met while homeless.

Jessica first became homeless when her ex- boyfriend, whom she was living with, went to jail. She doesn't drink, smoke, or use any drugs. Rather, her downfall in life has been falling in love with the wrong men. Many of her boyfriends have been strung out on drugs and financially and physically abusive. She keeps trying to help them get their lives together, but instead, they have continuously dragged her down and held her back from reaching her goals.

Jessica faces the same challenges as most women on the streets.

"The hardest part about being homeless is finding a safe place to sleep and being tried by men," she told me. However, she's very goal-oriented and determined to get her life back together. Jessica set a weight loss goal and reached it while homeless. Her gym membership also provides her with a way to take a shower before work.

Jessica's next goal was to find a job and purchase a vehicle, and she accomplished that as well. She was hired at a restaurant, saved her paychecks, and managed to buy a used car to have a place to sleep and transportation to work.

Overcoming homelessness has been her primary source of motivation.

"I'm finally doing something for me," she said. "I don't want to be homeless anymore so I'm doing what needs to be done to better myself and get off the streets."

Jessica feels that substance abuse and unhealthy relationships are two of the biggest barriers for homeless women. When asked to give advice to other women on the streets, she replied, "get off the drugs and stay away from the men out there who are only going to pull you down."

Her ultimate goal is to get her own place to live, determined to keep pushing forward until she has a place to call home.

Jessica's secret to success is simple, yet powerful. "I never give up and I don't take no for an answer," she said. With an attitude like that, the possibilities are endless.