When most people think about what someone needs after experiencing homelessness, they think about the basics. A roof, stability, safety.

And those things matter enormously. But there's something else that often gets overlooked, something that in today's world has become just as essential as any of those things.

Access to technology, and the skills to use it.

The digital divide is wider than most people realise.

For people transitioning out of homelessness, the gap between where they are and where they need to be is often made significantly wider by a lack of digital access. And in a world where almost everything happens online, that gap has real consequences.

Job applications are almost exclusively digital now. Universal Credit is managed online. GP appointments are booked through apps. Bank accounts require email verification. Even basic communication with support services or keeping in contact with family and friends often happens through digital channels alone.

For someone who has spent months or years without stable housing, keeping up with any of that can feel impossible. And the longer someone goes without access, the harder it becomes to catch up.

It's not just about having a laptop.

Digital exclusion isn't simply about not owning a device. It's about confidence, familiarity, and having somewhere safe to learn without judgment.

Many people we support haven't used a computer regularly in years, or have never had the opportunity to build those skills in the first place. Walking into a library or a job centre and trying to navigate a job application or a benefits form in public, under time pressure, can feel overwhelming and deeply exposing.

What people need is somewhere they can learn at their own pace. Somewhere they can ask questions without embarrassment. Somewhere that feels safe enough to try, and to get things wrong, and to try again.

What we're trying to do at The Hub.

That's exactly what we're hoping to create at The Hub, our new community space in Nottingham city centre, run jointly by René House CIC and The Kyem Initiative.

With the help of donated laptops and a projector, we want to run regular digital skills sessions, CV building and job application support, and open access time for residents to use technology freely, on their own terms.

How you can help

To make this happen, we urgently need donations of working laptops (Windows or Mac) and a projector and screen for the space. If your organisation is refreshing its IT equipment, or you have a device sitting unused at home, we would love to give it a second life with real social impact.

Get in touch with Shani at shani.jayawardena@renehousecic.com to find out more.