1. Is Internet Access the Intervention to End Homelessness? Abe Oudshoorn Western University, School of Nursing aoudsho@uwo.caaoudsho@uwo.ca, @abeoudshoorn

2. Introduction People experiencing homelessness have incredibly poor health outcomes Currently, there is more and more dependence on technology to enhance health – Yet technology is out-of-reach for many who are homeless So, could internet access be the intervention to improve health of those experiencing homelessness?

3. Methods Cross-sectional survey 210 participants experiencing homelessness Multiple linear regression Sought to unpack the relationship between internet use and wellbeing in the context of homelessness

4. Findings No relationship between internet use and wellbeing in the context of homelessness Internet use related to age and physical health Wellbeing related to mental health and social support

5. Discussion For homeless youth, internet access simply increased exposure to negative social capital Internet access does not fundamentally change the other social determinants of health Most who want access are already able to obtain it if physically well

6. Conclusions Providing internet access is not sufficient to create changes in wellbeing for people experiencing homelessness Housing continues to be the preferred intervention Internet access provision needs to be accompanied by supports to use it effectively