City Bar Justice Center Applauds Passage of #WiFi4Homeless Bill

New York, June 8, 2026 – The City Bar Justice Center, a pro bono legal services affiliate of the New York City Bar Association, celebrates the passage of the Wi-Fi for Homeless bill (S.8026-A / A. 1755-A) by both houses of the New York State Legislature. The Justice Center now echoes the City Bar’s excitement at this milestone and respectful urging of New York Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the bill into law.

Sponsored by Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Assemblymember Karines Reyes, the bill aims to provide internet access to all individuals residing in temporary housing.

Closing the digital divide has been a critical point of the Justice Center’s public advocacy over the past more than six years, beginning with the release of Homeless Need Internet Access to Find a Home: How Access to Internet and Technology Resources Can Support Homeless Families Transition out of Homeless Shelters, a report highlighting the importance of reliable access to Wi-Fi technology for New Yorkers living in shelters. Without stable connection, residents are unable to search for housing and jobs, access public benefits, connect with healthcare providers, or help their children succeed academically in a world where remote learning is on the rise.

The report was spearheaded by Lisa Pearlstein, the former director of what is known today as the Shelter Advocacy Project, and key City Bar Justice Center pro bono partners from the BNY Legal Department. Following its issuance, the report and its recommendations were endorsed by over 30 organizations. In an effort to amplify the issues outlined in the report and in a letter written by then City Bar President Sheila S. Boston, the #WiFi4Homeless advocacy campaign launched.

“Our clients told us, in their own words, what the lack of internet access cost them – missed job interviews, delayed housing applications, difficulty connecting with healthcare providers, children unable to do their homework,” said City Bar Justice Center Executive Director Kurt M. Denk. “This legislation is a direct response to what we heard, and seeing it pass both houses is a powerful movement. We are close now, and we respectfully urge Governor Hochul to take the final step and sign this bill into law.”

More information can be found on the Justice Center’s affiliate New York City Bar Association’s #WiFi4Homeless campaign page.

About the City Bar Justice Center  

 The City Bar Justice Center furthers access to justice by addressing unmet civil legal needs of New Yorkers struggling with poverty and other systemic socioeconomic barriers. The Justice Center’s dozen civil justice projects are led by a staff of dedicated attorneys and support professionals who provide high-quality civil legal services through brief advice and information, referrals, and both limited scope and extended representation that benefit more than 25,000 New Yorkers each year who cannot afford to hire counsel. www.citybarjusticecenter.org