This holiday season, while many are wishing for new gadgets or festive decorations, the individuals we serve at the Homeless ID Project have much simpler dreams. They dream of a safe home to call their own. They hope to be reunited with family members, to access education, and to get the health and dental care they desperately need. Most of all, they want a chance to matter—a chance to rebuild their lives and move forward.
For many of our clients, life has been a series of unsafe and stressful situations, often stretching on for months with no clear way out. The lack of basic identification, like a state ID or birth certificate, traps them in a cycle of homelessness and vulnerability. Without these essential documents, there’s no way to secure housing, get a job, access healthcare, or enroll in education programs.
The Cost of an ID: A Barrier Too High
A state ID costs just $12, and birth certificates can range up to $50 depending on where they’re issued. While these amounts might seem small to most, for someone experiencing homelessness, they represent an insurmountable barrier. Additionally, many people don’t have a safe place to store documents or an address to receive them, making the process even more complicated.
Imagine needing an ID to apply for a job but unable to afford it or navigate the paperwork. This is the reality for the thousands of people we help each year.
Providing Real Solutions Every Day
At the Homeless ID Project, we remove these barriers by covering the cost of IDs and birth certificates for those in need. But we don’t stop there—we provide safe wallets to store documents, and we offer support through every step of the process, ensuring our clients have the tools they need to succeed.
Take Julie, for example, a single mom we recently helped. After losing both her parents just six months apart, Julie found herself struggling to keep her 15-year-old daughter off the streets. We helped her secure a birth certificate at our outreach location at UMOM, and with that vital document, she’s now on her way to finding stable housing and employment.
The Gift of a Fresh Start
This holiday season, you can make a real difference. For just $12, you can provide a state ID to someone who desperately needs it. A gift of $50 can cover the cost of a birth certificate, opening doors to a new beginning. Your generosity helps create pathways to safety, stability, and hope.
Our clients’ wish lists aren’t long or extravagant—they just want a chance to start over. By supporting the Homeless ID Project, you’re not only helping individuals obtain vital documents; you’re giving the gift of possibility.
Join us in giving the gift of a fresh start this year. Donate today
