WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent policy shift by the D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS) is drawing criticism from local service providers after the agency quietly reduced the number of locations where residents experiencing homelessness can obtain free ID vouchers. Advocates fear the decision will create significant barriers to critical services like housing, employment, and benefits.
What Changed?
Until recently, individuals experiencing homelessness could receive free non-driver ID vouchers from at least 30 nonprofit centers across the city. Now, adults must visit only one of three day centers to obtain a voucher:
- Downtown Day Services Center
- Adams Place Day Center
- 801 East Day Center
Youth may still access ID vouchers through three youth-specific centers:
- Zoe’s Doors
- Sasha Bruce Youthwork
- Latin American Youth Center
This is a stark reduction from the prior network, which included trusted organizations like Miriam’s Kitchen, Georgetown Ministry Center, and others that often provide case management and outreach services.
Why the Change?
According to DHS spokesperson Kevin Carpenter, the policy change was enacted in April to “improve quality control” over the eligibility process. However, many frontline organizations say they were not notified of the new limitations until they attempted to request more vouchers.
Taylor Bush, Outreach and Advocacy Manager at Georgetown Ministry Center, said she learned of the change only after her request for more vouchers was denied. The news came as a shock.
“I get calls almost every day from people looking for an ID voucher, and it’s upsetting that we can no longer provide that,” said Bush…