The Flux: Homelessness in Guilford County
and the Power of the Internet

When thinking about how the the Internet is used today, I realized that I wanted to learn more about it during my Senior Project. I did not want to only focus on the technical aspect of the Web, though, and because of how easily and powerfully the Internet allows us to communicate with each other, the issue of local homelessness seemed to be a very good match.

I was also interested in researching homelessness because of how the state of our economy is affecting those living on the edge, financially. The cold weather is moving in and it is likely to affect the homeless most of all as they are forced to find shelter somewhere, anywhere. Often they must seek shelter in places that many of us would not want to call “home”.

Using the low-cost and free tools available, I want to use my project to spread awareness by creating a website about homelessness that exists in and around my community. I might catch someone’s eye all the way across the world as the Internet has truly become the World Wide Web.

I’ve realized that people in my community may have problems that they cannot resolve on their own. There are people and services available to individuals and families who do need some help. I will also try to scratch the surface of those services, and the people who provide them with this project.

It is unlikely that homelessness will ever be completely wiped out, but I believe that, because of the ease of communication the Internet provides, it can be a powerful tool in helping to minimize this issue.

2008 S. Maxfield