Street Needs: Are Hawai‘i Homeless Teens Information Poor?

Abstract

Youth today are growing up in a digital age. With the advancement of technologies, the world seems interconnected – information at our fingertips. Is this the same with our homeless population though? Notably lacking economic capital, is it the same with information? This study employs a qualitative approach in understanding Hawai‘i homeless youths and their access to information. With inspiration from Julie Hersberger’s work, “Are the Economically Poor Information Poor? Does the Digital Divide affect the Homeless and Access to Information?” this study looked to ask similar questions to a younger demographic. A total of 15 homeless youths (13-18 years of age) were interviewed, sharing stories from their day to day lives. Along with their technology use, teens were motivated to openly speak of their problems, living situations, and what they see in the future.