NEW IDs FOR AN OLD PROBLEM: United Way Brings DMV, Social Security Together to Help the Homeless

April 21, 2009 - PRLog -- What could be worse than being homeless? Being homeless without identification. With no way to apply for jobs, housing, or even government benefits, the cycle of homelessness compounds. For hundreds of chronically homeless individuals in San Diego, that’s about to change.

Though they represent fewer than 14 percent of the homeless population, the chronically homeless (those who experience numerous periods of homelessness while having a physical, mental, or substance abuse disability) drain nearly 50 percent of available homeless resources.

United Way of San Diego County has joined forces with San Diego’s Social Security Administration (SSA) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue identification cards to help chronically homeless men and women obtain the right to work and gain permanent supportive housing.

“Homeless providers throughout the county all agree that one of the biggest, if not the biggest, problem they have is the lack of IDs,” says former city councilman Brian Maienschein, United Way’s Commissioner of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. “Without identification, these homeless individuals can’t get benefits. And without benefits, they can’t get off the street.” United Way will host a press conference at Veteran’s Village on Thursday, April 23, at 12 noon with representatives from the DMV, SSA, and the U.S. Military. The new program, “IDs for Independence,” will officially launch on Friday, July 17, at the annual “Stand Down,” a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help local homeless veterans.

“This wonderful program addresses a significant stumbling block for our homeless veterans within San Diego County to begin the pathway toward self sufficiency and full productivity.” said Phil Landis, CEO of Veteran’s Village San Diego.

The ID program continues quarterly at different locations around the county to maximize the number of chronically homeless that have access to the program. With an estimated 1400 chronically homeless individuals in San Diego County, the “IDs for Independence” program will better this population’s chances of getting – and staying – off the streets. United Way will pay the administrative fee – reduced to $7 from $14 – for each ID issued.

“We got the DMV and the SSA together – an effort that has never reached this scope before – and now we are working as a team,” continued Maienschein.  “Putting people and resources together is the best way for the homeless to turn their lives around. It all starts with being treated like a person.”

The IDs for Independence program is part of the first-year implementation of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.  United Way recently concluded a Request for Proposal to provide the first 200 chronically homeless individuals with permanent housing and the essential support services they need to stay off the streets. A minimum of $500,000 will be spent on this first phase of implementation. For more information on IDs for Independence, please contact Brian Maienschein at 858-636-4144.

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United Way of San Diego County is a nonprofit organization that improves lives and creates lasting change by raising money and mobilizing the community to solve education, income and health issues. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.uwsd.org