Digital access among a national sample of currently and formerly homeless veterans in 2022

Abstract

Background: Digital technologies are essential for connecting to the Internet and communicating with others. Methods: This study used data from the 2022 Project Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG) survey, which surveyed a national sample of 1992 homeless-experienced veterans (HEV) about use of cell phones, smart phones, computers, laptops, and the Internet. Data were analyzed to compare currently and formerly homeless veterans on digital access and to identify characteristics associated with never using the Internet. Results: Over 75% of HEV reported having a cellphone and over 65% reported having a smartphone. Internet use was common among HEV as 74% of currently homeless veterans and 77% of formerly homeless veterans reported using the Internet. Among HEV who used the Internet, over 70% used the Internet at least weekly. There was no significant difference between currently and formerly homeless veterans on their Internet use in the total sample and subsamples of only black and only Hispanic veterans. Overall, HEV who were older, black non-Hispanic, and living in the Southeast were more likely to never use the Internet. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential for technology-based interventions among HEV, and suggest a digital divide based on age, race, and geography.