Shelter Connect

People experiencing homelessness rely on the internet to apply for housing and benefits, schedule appointments with doctors and case managers, search for jobs, and stay in touch with family and friends. It is a lifeline for getting back on your feet. ShelterConnect works with internet service providers to offer free wifi in shelters and transitional housing facilities.

Benefits

Improve your Case Management System by offering Self Service Case Management
Offer your clients access to a curated list of local resources
As a shelter or transitional housing, offer free WiFi to your clients

Main Features

Works with internet service providers to offer free wifi
Casey — Self Service Case Management
A Robust housing and human services directory in San Francisco (Ask Darcel)

Primary Audience

Transitional Housing Facilities
Internet Service Providers
Shelters Facilities

Learn More

Strong Traction in San Francisco, CA

ShelterConnect has installed and provided free wifi in three shelters and seven transitional housing facilities in San Francisco, providing free wifi to over 3,000 people in need. Click this link to download a PDF with more information

Casey — Self Service Case Management

Utilizing data from AskDarcel and hundreds of research hours, Casey provides step by step guides for many of the most common problems faced by people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Casey guides are delivered where they're needed most

A Message from our CEO Darcel Jackson

I became homeless when I was injured and lost my welding job. Living on the streets, you spend most of your time trying to survive. It’s hard to know where to start, what services you need, how to get training in a new field or search for jobs. I had a smartphone and could find wifi, but there weren't any apps or websites to help me get off the streets. Now I want to help others facing this issue.

Melia Russell

Smartphones are a lifeline for the young homeless.

San Francisco Chronicle

Melia Russell

Smartphones are a lifeline for the young homeless.

San Francisco Chronicle

Data plans are the real luxury. Many homeless people go seeking internet access at public libraries and fast-food chains. Little more than half of the adult shelters in San Francisco have wireless internet. That’s starting to change because San Francisco city officials and community leaders have seen how phones help the neediest people stay safer on the streets and reconnect with society.

Sam Harnett

Homeless Man Helps Shelters Provide WiFi

KQED Inc

Sam Harnett

Homeless Man Helps Shelters Provide WiFi

KQED Inc

It’s hard to do anything these days without the Internet, and it’s no different for the homeless. Imagine having to go all the way down to a city library and wait in line just to check your email.An Internet connection makes it easier to sign up for government services and support. Many job postings and housing opportunities are listed online.