Possessing photo identification is a necessity of modern day life. However, getting and keeping identification documents is a big challenge for many who are homeless or marginally housed. Although losing identification documents is only an inconvenience for some, for others this loss can mean being denied access to vital services. Without official identification, individuals cannot access many community services and programs. This barrier can create a domino effect that makes it increasingly difficult to address the conditions that lead to homelessness.
The ID Project is designed to address this challenge. Every other week two students from PBSC, along with a supervising lawyer and organizational staff, will go to the Windsor Downtown Mission on a predetermined evening during dinner time. Volunteers will check-in at the front desk of the Mission. The lawyer will oversee the PBSC students who will speak to clients, informing them of the program, how it works, and whom to speak with. PBSC students will make the introductions, sit in on the consultation with the lawyer, and help fill out applicable forms. The lawyer will be on hand to answer any questions the clients may have. Volunteer lawyers will confirm eligibility requirements with the client and students will help clients fill out either the “Ontario Photo Card - Address Requirement for the Homeless or Marginally Housed Applicants” for photo identification, or the “Agency Assistance Form and Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage” for health coverage. They can also help clients fill out the application forms for new SIN numbers and the application forms to recover a lost, misplaced or damaged birth certificate.
Check back in late September for scheduled times!