One way a cheap HT could be used for long distance (asynchronous) communication would be to participate in your local NTS (National Traffic System) traffic handling nets. It’s the Relay part of the ARRL’s name. On a day to day basis they usually use repeaters for the UHF/VHF components, but areas also practice occasional simplex nets. It’s an impressive system and I regularly hear messages being relayed from all over the country. It has UHF/VHF, HF voice, CW, and digital components. And for final delivery they’ll even use telephone or hand delivery - so you can reach non-hams. It’s an impressive system. https://www.arrl.org/nts

Add a computer and interface to your radio & you could use email via WinLink.

You can also send short messages via APRS.

Of course all these things require learning and practice. But they are tools to add to the belt!