Homeless New Yorkers and advocates say the legislation—which now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul for final approval—will ensure people living in shelters have reliable internet service as they search for work, housing and other resources.
Every homeless shelter in New York will be required to have Wi-Fi under a state bill passed by lawmakers in Albany Friday—what supporters say will help close a long-standing digital divide that’s left thousands of unhoused adults behind.
Advocates are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the legislation, which mandates shelters across the state, including those in New York City, provide internet access that meets basic standards for speed, net neutrality, and data privacy.
While city shelters for families with children have had Wi-Fi since at least 2022—after a lawsuit filed on behalf of thousands of school-aged kids compelled the city to connect them—many shelters for single adults and adult families still aren’t linked up…