Terror's Other Victim

Homeless people are trapped in a Catch-22: by being homeless they often lack identification, but the lack of identification makes it difficult for them to receive the support they need to move out of homelessness.

This article outlines the barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness in obtaining identification in a post-9/11 world and, consequently, the benefits and services they cannot receive without identification. It argues that more forms of identity verification should be accepted, like letters from shelter directors, and that service agencies should be allowed to provide valid photo identification and assistance in obtaining birth certificates.

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