This document summarizes a research paper about how technology can help address homelessness after it occurs. The paper examines scholarly research on homelessness, conducts interviews with local advocates who work with the homeless population, and interviews some homeless individuals. Based on this research, the paper concludes that online crowdfunding is likely the most effective way for a community to help alleviate homelessness after it becomes an issue, as it allows people to donate tangible items like toiletries and clothes. The paper proposes creating a crowdfunding platform that connects those in need with resources and sponsors in the community. Local advocates supported this approach and emphasized donating necessities over money or food.

1. “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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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:

8. 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,

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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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Bogard, C. (2015). Seasons Such as These: How Homelessness Took Shape in America. Journal
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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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the Homeless.
Strauss, S., & Tomback, A. (1984). Homelessness: Halting the Race to the Bottom. Issue 2,
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