The D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS) recently limited the locations where residents experiencing homelessness can get vouchers to receive free IDs, a move some service providers worry will create new barriers to identification.
D.C. residents need some form of identification to apply for housing, housing vouchers, benefits, and jobs. The D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows people experiencing homelessness to get free non-driver ID cards, which normally cost $20, when they have a voucher from one of several centers in the area. Previously, at least 30 nonprofit centers could distribute these vouchers, but now, only three day centers and three youth drop-in centers can.
Adults experiencing homelessness are now only able to obtain ID vouchers at the Downtown Day Services Center, Adams Place Day Center, and 801 East Day Center, according to DHS spokesperson Kevin Carpenter. Youth can access the vouchers at Zoe’s Doors, Sasha Bruce, and the Latin American Youth Center. This is a sharp reduction from the dozens of locations like Miriam’s Kitchen and Georgetown Ministry Center that previously offered ID vouchers…