City of Manchester launches pilot program to supply homeless people ID cards, birth certificates
The City of Manchester is launching a pilot program to supply homeless people with ID cards and their birth certificates for free.
"The issue is always funding," 39 Beech St. Shelter Site Director Jake King said. "It costs money to get those things, especially if someone was born in another state, been here for 40 years, don't know where their birth certificate is."
Organizers say not having documents like these can stand in the way of someone experiencing homelessness from applying for a job or finding a safe place to get care.
Catholic Charities New Hampshire and Members First Credit Union are teaming up with the City of Manchester.
"We're happy to be a part of a program that gives opportunity to individuals looking to rewrite their story," said Member's First President and CEO Courtney Fifield.
The program will offer people staying at the 39 Beech St. Shelter a chance to get important documents for free.
The initiative secured a $1,000 donation from a group that says they will keep working with the city to tackle the challenges facing the city's homeless population.
Mayor Jay Ruais thinks the measure will address one of the underlying issues affecting Manchester's homeless.
"That ID opportunity is one of the first steps we can take to help break that cycle and build a sustainable life," said Mayor Ruais.
"I think this is what our city needs. A lot more collaboration, everyone heading in the same direction. I think we're following a good path right now," King said.