Home Issues & Policy Advocacy Campaigns Internet Access in Homeless Shelters | Wifi4Homeless Campaign Hub

Internet Access in Homeless Shelters | Wifi4Homeless Campaign Hub

Reliable internet access is essential to secure housing, employment, education, health care, benefits, and legal services. This page compiles the City Bar’s reports, testimony, and advocacy resources to support our Wifi4Homeless campaign to ensure statewide internet access in shelters and temporary housing.

📣 New development: The bill has passed both houses of the Legislature and awaits delivery to the Governor’s Office for her action!

Last updated: August 27, 2026

What We’re UrgingWhat We’re Urging

  • Ensure internet access is available in shelters/temporary housing statewide.
  • Treat connectivity as essential infrastructure for services and stability.
  • Baseline data privacy protections for shelter residents.

Take Action!Take Action!

  • You can also contact the Governor’s office and urge her to sign the bill.
    • Call 1-518-474-8390 (office hours 9am–5pm)
    • Use the online portal – select “Legislation” as the Topic, write “Please Sign the WiFi for Homeless Act” as the Subject
  • Sample message for your call or written submission:

    “I’m urging Governor Hochul to sign the WiFi for Homeless Act (A.1755-A / S.8026-A). The Legislature has passed it, and Empire State Development has already committed up to $20 million for shelter connectivity — this bill is what turns that investment into a lasting guarantee of reliable, privacy-protecting internet access for shelter residents statewide. Please sign it into law.”

  • Spread the word within your networks and encourage others to take action too.

Why NowThe Funding Is in Place — Now We Need the Framework

In May 2026, Empire State Development announced an investment of up to $20 million to bring internet access to homeless shelters statewide — an important step that reflects Governor Hochul’s commitment to closing the digital divide.

This legislation builds directly on that commitment. The funding provides the resources; the bill provides the framework — ensuring that this investment delivers consistent, reliable, privacy-protecting connectivity for shelter residents across the state. Together, they turn a one-time investment into a lasting guarantee.

Why It MattersWhy It Matters

Reliable internet access is now essential infrastructure, critical to conducting everyday life. For people living in shelters, connectivity is the difference between accessing opportunity and being shut out of it. With internet access, residents can:

  • Search and apply for jobs and permanent housing
  • Apply for and manage public benefits
  • Attend telehealth appointments
  • Help their children complete schoolwork
  • Connect with legal help and navigate the courts

Residents of temporary housing cannot meaningfully stabilize their lives without reliable internet access.

Current StatusCurrent Status

  • Key development: On May 13, 2026, Empire State Development announced an investment of up to $20 million to bring internet access to homeless shelters statewide. The WiFi4Homeless campaign welcomed the announcement – read the full statement.
  • What we need next: Governor Hochul’s signature. Read our press release celebrating passage and urging the Governor to sign.

Key DocumentsKey Documents

Core Reports

Advocacy & Explainers

Media Items

 

 

Contact: Elizabeth Kocienda | Director of Advocacy | ekocienda@nycbar.org