advocacy Archives | Homeless ID Project

How Do People Become Homeless? Understanding the Causes of Homelessness

Homelessness is a complex issue with many contributing factors. While some may believe it happens due to a single bad decision, the reality is that most people experiencing homelessness have faced a series of challenges that led to their situation. At Homeless ID Project, we meet individuals every day who are struggling to rebuild their lives, and we know that understanding the root causes of homelessness is key to finding lasting solutions.

Common Causes of Homelessness

There is no single reason why someone is homeless. The true cause of homelessness is a lack of affordable housing. However, plenty of things can keep someone stuck in their homelessness. It is seldom just one issue. Instead, it is often a combination of personal circumstances and systemic issues. Some of the most common causes include:

Lack of Affordable Housing – Rising rent costs and limited low-income housing options force many people out of their homes.
Job Loss & Economic Hardship – A sudden job loss or reduction in hours can make it impossible to cover rent and basic expenses.
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders – Without proper treatment and support, individuals struggling with these issues may find themselves without stable housing.
Domestic Violence – Many people, especially women and children, flee abusive situations and have nowhere to go.
Health Issues & Medical Expenses – Serious illnesses or disabilities can lead to job loss and financial instability, making it difficult to afford housing.
Justice System Involvement – Many justice-impacted individuals face barriers to employment and housing upon re-entering society. Without support, they are at high risk of homelessness.
Lack of Identification Documents – Without an ID, individuals cannot secure housing, employment, or essential services, leaving them trapped in homelessness.

Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

Homelessness is not a choice—it is the result of circumstances beyond a person’s control. To prevent and reduce homelessness, we must address these root causes by:

Expanding access to affordable housing.
Providing job training and employment opportunities.
Increasing mental health and addiction treatment services.
Supporting survivors of domestic violence with safe housing options.
Reducing barriers for justice-impacted individuals to reintegrate into society.
Ensuring that every person has access to identification documents to rebuild their lives.

“I knew I couldn’t move forward without an ID, but I had no way to get one. Without Homeless ID Project, I don’t know where I’d be today.”

A Client’s Perspective

At Homeless ID Project, we help thousands of individuals each year obtain the documents they need to access jobs, housing, and stability. One client recently shared,
“I knew I couldn’t move forward without an ID, but I had no way to get one. Without Homeless ID Project, I don’t know where I’d be today.” Derek B.

How You Can Help

Homelessness affects our entire community, and we all have a role to play in creating solutions. Whether by donating, volunteering, or advocating for policy changes, you can help make a difference. Together, we can give individuals the tools they need to reclaim their independence and end their homelessness for good.

Want to be part of the solution? Reach out to us here to learn how YOU can help today!

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How a New ID Can Transform Lives: 69% of Clients Use Their ID to Get a Job

Imagine trying to apply for a job without an ID. It’s impossible. For individuals experiencing homelessness, this is a daily reality—a barrier that stands between them and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

At Homeless ID Project, we’re on a mission to change that. 69% of our clients come to us for a new ID so they can start a job and take the first critical step toward ending their homelessness.

Why IDs Matter

An ID is more than just a document—it’s a gateway to opportunity. Without an ID, individuals cannot:

Apply for a job or start employment.
Rent or lease housing.
Open a bank account or cash a paycheck.
Access medical care or other essential services.

For many, a replacement ID is the cornerstone of stability. It’s the key to breaking free from the cycle of homelessness and moving toward self-sufficiency.

The Impact of Your Support

Here’s how you can make a difference:

For just $32 a month, you can provide someone with a new ID—a life-changing document that allows them to:

Secure meaningful employment.
Begin the process of finding stable housing.
Access vital resources like healthcare and education.
Reconnect with their community and rebuild their confidence.

Your monthly gift empowers individuals to move forward with dignity and hope.

The Need Is Growing

The demand for our services has never been greater. Each year, thousands of Arizonans face homelessness, and the lack of an ID remains one of the biggest obstacles to overcoming it. Your support helps us meet this urgent need, ensuring that every person has the tools they need to build a brighter future.

“I have to keep going. Utilizing my resources is the only way to get me out of this life and I’m so grateful to Homeless ID Project and all the others here that work together to help us get jobs and beds.”
Miata, Homeless ID Project client (2024)

Maximize Your Impact

There’s never been a better time to give. With the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $470 as an individual or $938 as a couple and get every dollar back on your state taxes. Your generosity costs you nothing while transforming lives.

Join Us in Ending Homelessness

Together, we can empower individuals to take that critical first step. Every ID we provide is a chance for someone to rebuild their life and end their homelessness.

👉 Ready to help? Donate today and start changing lives for just $32 a month. Your support creates new beginnings, one ID at a time.

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November is Homeless Awareness Month: Empower Change with a Simple Donation

November is Homeless Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the challenges faced by those without stable housing and to consider how each of us can make a meaningful difference. Homelessness is a complex issue, rooted in a range of factors including job loss, mental health struggles, family conflicts, and lack of affordable housing. Every individual facing homelessness has their own unique story, but many share one common barrier: the lack of a valid ID.

An ID is often taken for granted, yet it’s essential for accessing nearly every service that helps someone regain stability. From securing housing and employment to enrolling in educational programs and receiving healthcare, an ID is the foundation for rebuilding one’s life. Unfortunately, for those experiencing homelessness, acquiring an ID can be a challenging and costly process. That’s where the Homeless ID Project steps in.

How is Homeless ID Project Making a Difference?

At the Homeless ID Project, we’re dedicated to removing this barrier by providing free identification services to those in need. Our mission is simple yet transformative: we give individuals the first tool they need to take back control of their lives. With just $12, you can cover the cost of an ID for someone struggling to regain stability. This small donation becomes a powerful act, empowering individuals to open doors they thought were closed to them.

Why is an ID so critical? Without identification, a person is often unable to access shelters, food assistance programs, or government services that could help them get back on their feet. An ID is also a requirement for opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or getting hired for a job. Imagine trying to overcome the challenges of homelessness without any documentation—no way to prove who you are, where you’ve come from, or even that you exist in the eyes of the system. By providing an ID, you’re giving someone a chance to build a new future.

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You Can Make a Difference, Too

This November, we’re asking our community to join us in making a difference. For just $12, you can provide an ID for someone in need. Every donation, big or small, has a tangible impact and helps move us closer to a community where everyone has the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency. Your donation goes directly to covering the cost of IDs and the administrative support needed to guide clients through the process. Each ID we provide is a step toward self-reliance, security, and hope.

As we observe Homeless Awareness Month, take a moment to consider how a small contribution can change someone’s life. Together, we can help hundreds of individuals move closer to independence and stability. By donating today, you’re not only giving someone an ID—you’re offering them a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and a fresh start.

Donate to make a difference. For the cost of a couple of cups of coffee, you can help empower someone to take their first step toward a brighter future. Let’s come together this November to support those in need and create lasting change in our community.