We live in a world where so much of daily life depends on being connected. From job applications to telemedicine, education to banking—without the internet, people are effectively shut out. Yet millions still live without reliable access. At HomeFunders, we see internet access not as a luxury, but as a basic human need.
Disconnected in a Digital Age
Imagine trying to do homework without Wi-Fi. Or applying for benefits using a smartphone on a cracked screen and limited data. For many families we work with, this is their everyday reality.
In one housing project we support, a young student named Luis used to walk half a mile to sit outside a library just to download class materials. No child should have to go to those lengths just to learn.
Why the Gap Exists
The digital divide isn’t just about money. It’s about geography, infrastructure, and systemic neglect. Rural areas often have fewer service providers. Urban neighborhoods with aging buildings may lack the wiring.
And even when the internet is technically available, the monthly cost can be impossible for families already stretched thin.
The Consequences of Being Left Behind
Without reliable access, adults struggle to apply for jobs or attend virtual interviews. Children fall behind in school. Seniors miss telehealth appointments. The result? Communities fall even further behind—and it becomes a cycle that’s hard to break.
What HomeFunders Is Doing
We’re not an internet company, but we know that housing means more than shelter. That’s why we’ve partnered with digital equity initiatives to install Wi-Fi hotspots in public housing, offer subsidized devices, and train residents on basic digital skills.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as teaching someone how to email a landlord—or help a grandparent video chat with family across the country.
Connectivity Is Community
Access to the internet means access to opportunity, stability, and connection. When we bridge the digital divide, we’re not just offering a signal—we’re strengthening communities.
If you’re reading this online, you already have a power many others still don’t. Let’s work together to change that.
Support digital equity programs. Donate old laptops. Volunteer to teach basic tech. Because being connected shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right.