a MUST READ on poverty---why poor people need internet access

[bobbieinok]

http://brownfemipower.com/?cat=14

why every home, every shelter needs a free computer AND internet connection
Posted by brownfemipower on 13 Jun 2006 | Tagged as: violence against WoC, nation/state violence, the mamihood, radical woc feminism, the poverty diaries

One of the most valuable things that I have had in the last three weeks has been my computer. Without fail, every single office I have visted, every single application I have filled out, every single caseworker I have conversed with DEMANDS a copy of bank statement, pay stubs, and all utility bills. Most want more things, like my rental contract, my drivers license, etc–but every single place I have been to thus far will not even begin to process an application without bank statements, pay stubs and utility bills.

And with the exception of my water bill, there isn’t one thing I can get through the mail. Everything is online these days, in order to supposedly cut down on paper.

I have been fortunate enough to have a computer and the internet, although I did go about five days with no internet until I found a free internet disk. But I have wondered often what would we have done with no car and no internet these last few weeks? What would we have done to come up with the six copies of each pay stub and bank statement for two people? Especially seeing that our situation reflects many people’s situations out there–six jobs and two banking accounts between the two of us (It literally takes me a half hour each time I have to print off this entire mess)?

The amount of paper work and documentation needed just to get a couple of hundred dollars for food and some help on utilities is absolutly insane and would be very intimidating if I didn’t have an education and a computer.

The fact that I have both has positioned me as a person of privilege in this world of the underprivileged.

[nickinSTL]

1. it's not always the best solution...

but public libraries often have free internet access.

[SmokingJacket]

2. It's true that computers are becoming more and more of a necessity

and so you have to be richer than ever to be part of the functioning world.

Libraries often do have free internet, but they often don't allow printouts or charge a lot for them. I'd be all over subsidizing libraries for this kind of service, and maybe with free printouts for certain kinds of documents.