Effort unveiled for new Web site for the poor

[survivor999]

By Amanda Beck | June 9, 2006

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Low-income Americans would have free and easy access to vital information under an effort announced Thursday to create a bilingual Web site.

One Economy, a non-profit group that uses technology to upgrade the lives of the poor, said it aims to raise $20 million to start the project, Public Internet Channel.

The site would provide information about such basics as public safety, emergency services, education, health care and jobs.

U.S. Senators John McCain, an Arizona Republican, and Barack Obama, an Illinois Democrat, serve as honorary co-chairs of the non-profit group and hailed the initiative.

"It will ensure that all Americans have the same easy access to information and resources they need to prosper in our global economy without getting lost in the World Wide Web," McCain said in a statement.

Said Obama: "The Public Internet Channel can do for accessing social services what Yahoo! has done for accessing entertainment or what Craigslist has done for accessing local goods for sale."

More at link:

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2006/06/09/effort_unveiled_for_new_web_site_for_the_poor?mode=PF


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[porphyrian]

1. What good is a website for those with no computer?

I guess some homeless people spend time in the library. Until they're kicked out, anyway.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. My very thought..how the hell are they supposed to access a website?

[survivor999]

3. Would only benefit the poor

who at least have a computer and a working phone line... I guess one could be able to afford some low-end DSL connection... But the really poor would not be able to benefit from this...

[sweetheart]

4. Perhaps they can sleep online

and take a shower there too.

20 million would help a lotta homeless if it went to shelters... what a waste.

[eleny]

5. The library

[porphyrian]

7. Yeah, but realistically, how many would even think to use it?

If you spend all day worrying about how you're going to feed your kids some time this week and where you're going to sleep somewhat safely, it probably wouldn't even occur to you to go to the library to wait in line to use the internet. The website is a step in the right direction, in that people like us will have access to the information and be able to pass it on, but this is a little like giving free pogo sticks to quadraplegics.

[eleny]

9. Poor people aren't necessarily as impotent as you imagine

Having worked in social services agencies for almost 30 years, I'm sure this will be of help to many. Poor people, like those who aren't poor, also make use of the library and its resources.

[porphyrian]

10. I'm not saying the poor are impotent.

I'm pointing out the irony of how those who could use the help the most are the least likely to get it from a website. I'm right. Your experience should tell you that.

(By the way, I am one of the poor. I just happen to have the safety net of supportive friends and family, as well as a computer I got when I was less so. I still haven't paid it off.)

[eleny]

11. My experience tells me otherwise

Given your own circumstances, I'm surprised you went looking for a shovel with a longer handle.

I find your attitude toward other people in your situation insufferable. Take the last word. I'm done with you and your miserable attitude.

[porphyrian]

12. Ha! That was great! - n/t

[sandnsea]

6. If done right, this is good

Even if volunteers for low-income services use the web site, it's a good idea. It's difficult to keep up with the hodge podge of city, county, state, federal and non-profit services. There's lots of good programs out there that too many people don't know anything about. This will help bring attention to the programs and people trying to help their family members will also have a single resource. It's the same thing as the 800 help lines that are supposed to have all resources and that was a great idea too.

[survivor999]

8. Of course it's good!!!!

And I'm glad something is being done...

[bobbolink]

13. Thanks for posting this

When I first saw this topic, I thought, "Good, finally a way for poor people to organize." But, sadly, nope.... just one more collection of numbers and addresses to find "help".

Sadly, most of this "help" doesn't exist anymore. What survived the earlier cuts has pretty much been wiped out by Katrina needs. Unfortunately, middleclass people are still under the illusion that there are many resources available, creating a disconnect between reality and perception, so that they look down on poor people who they think are too lazy to find the resources. Most of these agencies now turn people away with very little to show for their efforts.

The worst is that neither "progressives" nor church people take the issue seriously. It's just not nearly sexy enough.