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Voices

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On D.C. Streets, the Cellphone as Lifeline

Petula Dvorak

To the usual trappings that help many homeless people endure life on the streets–woolen blankets, shopping carts or cardboard box shelters–add the humble cellphone.

Today, it’s not unusual for the homeless to whip out Nokia (NOK) 6085 GoPhones (with optional Bluetooth and USB connectivity), stop at a public computer to check email or urge friends to read their blogs.

It’s another sign of a society in transition by way of technology, as businesses shed physical addresses for cyberspace and homeless people can establish an online presence and chase opportunities digitally.

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