A Friday afternoon Identification Clinic held at Bridge Street United helped 93 people experiencing homelessness replace missing or damaged identification documents.
The event was held by a partnership led by the Centre for Workforce Development along with Service Canada, ServiceOntario, John Howard Society, Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre, Hastings County – Ontario Works, and others.
People experiencing homelessness who attended were able to get assistance in applying to have identifying documents issued, including birth certificates, Ontario health cards, Ontario photo ID cards, social insurance numbers, and other documents.
Sandi Ramsay, Executive Director for the Centre for Workforce Development, said that there are many obstacles towards getting shelter and employment for people without identification.
“When you’re going out and you need to get your identification, it’s not easy for anyone,” said Ramsay. “There’s a lot of paperwork involved in a lot of cases. There’s also fees that are associated with paperwork.”
Plans are already in the works to hold more identification clinics in both Belleville and surrounding communities, with future dates to be announced.
