This small plastic identification card is more difficult to get for someone facing homelessness than you might think. In order to obtain an ID, you must have a social security card and birth certificate, and to obtain either of those documents, what do you need? Identification issued by the State.

In hopes of finding stable housing for her disabled sister, Amy, Jeanette called the 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline. Jeanette was living in Section 8 housing and wanted Amy to move in with her. However, Amy was unable to fill out an application without an ID. Amy even had months of back pay from temporary government assistance but was unable to open a bank account or cash the checks, because she did not have the proper identifications.

The 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline was not only able to assist Amy in obtaining a special type of ID for people experiencing homelessness, 2-1-1 also helped her obtain a verification of homelessness letter as well as a step by step guide for getting all of her forms of identification. Within weeks, Amy had all of her required IDs, opened a bank account, deposited her checks and is now living in a stable home environment.

At Project Homeless Connect, a day-long resource fair to assist the homeless on their journey to stability, United Way of Central Maryland and 2-1-1 have helped more than 2,000 individuals obtain IDs. This year, we’re looking forward to serving even more people in the homeless community with comprehensive services including ID’s, housing, food, hygiene services and access to dental and health care.

If you would like to be part of this year’s Project Homeless Connect as a volunteer, save the date for Thursday, September 24. More information and registration will be posted on our website in August.