The term "digitally homeless" is sometimes used in high-tech circles to describe those who resist the internet onslaught. To the literally homeless, the term must sound fatuous at the very least.
The plethora of bodies offering services to the homeless (1,600 in London at the last count) tend to concentrate on the most pressing needs: accommodation, healthcare, training and work advice. But giving their clients access to information about what's available is recognised by all as a critical issue.
And increasingly, the weapon being brought to deal with the problem is the internet - exploding the myth that only the comfortably-off are electronically able and aware.
The internet has been used for some time to link agencies that work with the homeless. The Resource Information Service established homeless pages, a website that brings together all the key resources for those working with the homeless.
It was also involved in the development of the rough sleeping register, commissioned by the government's rough sleepers unit and managed by the Housing Services Agency. Designed to circumvent the problem of dealing consistently with people who drift in and out of contact with different agencies, the register is a password protected web-based system where caseworkers record up-to-date information on clients, with actions and outcomes.
The notion of providing online services directly for the homeless is a relatively new concept. But its proponents - including London mayor Ken Livingstone - are hoping it will prove an effective tool in getting people off the streets.
A website for homeless people is one of the core components of the mayor's rough sleepers strategy launched in March. The strategy makes the commitment that a dedicated website for London's homeless will be up and running in November. The tender is due to go out in the next few weeks.
GLA director of homelessness projects Atul Hatwal says the service will provide an online community, not just information. It will have a users' forum, where people can post messages and communicate with each other across London.
And in recognition of the immediacy of the problems its users face, the first access into the site will be via a map, where people can click on their exact location and find out where the closest bed, food, healthcare and other services are.
"It's something that's not been done before, and there are two reasons for the geographical approach," says Mr Hatwal. "It's a very quick way for people to find out what's directly relevant to them, now. But it will also make it very easy for us to spot where there are gaps in the services provided."
A graphic that allows people to locate themselves on screen will also help break down barriers for those unfamiliar with the internet, he adds.
But people with little more to their name than a sleeping bag aren't likely to have laptops, and the obvious question is how and where homeless people will get access to the website.
Touch-screen kiosks are likely to play a part says Mr Hatwal, but the extent to which they will be used is yet to be decided. There is a strong desire not to duplicate efforts by other agencies, and where possible, to piggyback on other e-developments that can reach the homeless.
Already, the Homeless Network is running its own information site for homeless people called On The Right Tracks, which is available through six touch-screen kiosks in main London rail stations.
The Persula Foundation, which funded the project, is one of the agencies the Greater London Authority (GLA) is in discussion with. Many London councils are also looking at touch-screen technology, which could have partnership potential, Mr Hatwal says.
But with the tight deadline of a November launch, the project has been broken into phases and links to local authority services won't be introduced until stage two. The immediate priority is getting something useable online for rough sleepers in five months - and with 1,600 London bodies with a registered interest in helping homeless people, there's a lot of co-ordination to do.
Homeless charity Shelter is on the verge on launching its ShelterNet website - aimed at members of the public, including those at risk of homelessness. With comprehensive information on legal rights and security of tenure, the site is envisaged to complement ShelterLine, the charity's 24-hour telephone advice service.
Design and language are critical in getting the message across, says Shelter housing services support manager David Garner. Throughout development there was a constant awareness that those mainly outside the traditional client group would access the site.
But making that assumption in the site's content risks alienating homeless people who do use the site to find help. And designing an information-heavy site in such a way that it looks appealing and non-threatening without heavy graphics was a delicate balancing act.
"Once it's launched we will do some thorough usability tests. We're treating this very much as phase one of a three-year plan," Mr Garner says. Promoting the service directly to homeless people is on the agenda, with one option being to provide Shelter content for other sites and electronic services - including, potentially, touch-screen kiosks.
The Big Issue foundation has provided IT training to homeless people for years and many of its regional offices provide internet access. Foundation chief executive Lucy Russell says increasing internet training is a key priority - stemming largely from what they have observed on the ground.
"The interesting thing about the internet is that there is a digital divide, and it can be hard to get access to, but it's actually very equalising for the people we work with. They don't need to have a home, can access it at any time, and it's anonymous. It has definitely enhanced the skills and knowledge base of homeless people," says Ms Russell.
Older clients need more help using the internet than younger ones - which echoes the pattern in the non-homeless population, she adds. "It also acts as a carrot. Once they come in and have access to all this equipment we can say 'what skills do you have and what do you want to learn?'"
Clients are enormously receptive to new technology, says Big Issue south east regional manager, Fiona Kirkman. In partnership with the Sussex community internet project (SCIP), the foundation runs a computer drop-in centre where homeless people get access to terminals for surfing and email, and training in web design and video skills.
Funded by the DfEE and national lottery, the centre started off with SCIP workers bringing laptops into the Big Issue office to "just give people a go". Now a video made by Big Issue vendors is streamed on SCIP's See Life website about Brighton and their "introduction to vending" video was shown in the recent Brighton Virtual Festival.
The more access to technology and electronic services are provided for homeless people, the more they will move from being consumers to creators, says Ms Russell. "And if you have information there that comes from people just like them, it rings bells. That creates a very positive circle."
