How Homeless People Use Technology: A Photo Essay On Street Poverty And Consumer Gadgets

It could be easy to assume that those living on the streets of New York City don't own any gadgets, but that's not always the case.

Over the course of two weeks, we interviewed dozens of homeless people, to find out what kind of consumer electronics they own — and more importantly, what they use them for.

From laptops and iPhones, to government-issued "Obama Phones" and everything in between, it quickly became clear that many homeless people use gadgets to stay connected, aid in job searches, or pursue their own creative interests.

Note: All people shown have given their permission for us to take their picture, though some requested we not show their faces.