HUFFINGTON POST - JULY 2015 NEW LAW IN EFFECT FOR HOMELESS ID's
The thing that often stands in the way of a homeless person and housing is just a state-issued identification. But a new law in California is making sure that its residents are no longer stranded on the streets because of that issue.
In order for a homeless person to do something as simple as apply for a job, enroll in public school or access homeless shelters and food stamps, they need to provide official identification. But those IDs often get lost or stolen and homeless people lack the funds and resources to obtain new driver's licenses or birth certificates...
The bill was inspired by Kelly Thomas, a homeless man who lived on the streets of Fullerton, California, and had schizophrenia, according to KCET. Thomas was beaten by three police officers in 2011 and died five days later.
"We are making sure they have IDs to access the services to get back on feet -- either social services or mental health services," ...
California’s government officials have stepped in where nonprofits often have to pick up the slack in other states.
***
We just ran into Harvey, who we first met on the street a year ago, and has been on the streets in Los Angeles for two years. He came from another state. He needs to get his birth certificate from that state. Our referrals to Mend, Burbank Temporary Aid, have not resulted in Harvey moving towards an ID, so that he can get food stamps and a cash benefit, so instead he's going through garbage cans and recycling. We don't know honestly if Harvey has followed through on our referrals. We didn't promise him he'd get help, but we felt sure he'd at least get more information. So for those of you who are in Harvey's situation...
HERE IS AN ARTICLE ON THE LAW - FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATES
SACBEE - NEW LAW - FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATES
Effective July 1, AB 1733 requires county recorders to issue free birth certificates to any person who demonstrates he or she is homeless. On Jan. 1, the law also will require the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a free original or replacement identification card to anyone who can verify homelessness. The DMV now charges $26 for an original identification card and $8 for individuals that qualify for certain low income public assistance programs.
HERE IS HOW TO VERIFY THAT YOU ARE HOMELESS
GO TO A COLD WEATHER SHELTER. TALK TO THE SOCIAL WORKERS. STAY THERE. THEY WILL PROVIDE VERIFICATION.
No comments:
Post a Comment