IDignity is a partnership of five initiating downtown Orlando churches and their volunteers with federal, state, and local agencies who established a monthly one-stop event focused solely on a key need identified by homeless consumers who lacked the necessary identification and vital documents to seek housing, jobs, bank accounts, and more.

First United Methodist Church of Orlando, the Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Luke, St. James Cathedral, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, and Trinity Lutheran Church partnered to establish the events.

According to volunteer coordinator Michael Dippy of First United Methodist, the churches recognized the need for the so-called "golden ticket" of a Social Security card, Florida ID or license, and a birth certificate that meet the need for at least two forms of identification generally required to pursue key opportunities for a move to stability. Even a birth certificate is required for renewing Florida ID.

People who are homeless are especially vulnerable to losing vital documents through theft or lack of secure storage for personal belongings. Without proof of identity in an environment where increased attention is focused on these documents, it can be virtually impossible to enter a shelter, be hired for day labor or a job, or apply for benefits. Without transportation to key agencies or the ability to pay application fees, without a mailing address to receive return mail, the challenges for people who are homeless can rule out recreating these important documents.

Together the volunteers and government partners convene the IDignity event at the Orlando Rescue Mission, setting up a virtual on-line bank of data resources and vital records that allow basic research and verification steps needs to move the process forward. IDignity held its eighth event in December and plans another January 22.

Services are publicized through fliers at local programs, and intake starts at 8 am, with queue managers coordinating first-come, first-served operations for consumers who have often started lining up at 4:30 am.

On-site are the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles with its "FLOWmobile" (Florida Licensing On Wheels) mobile site, the Orange County Health Department, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration. Legal counsel is provided by Legal Advocacy at Work. The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, with an inaugural grant and donations, pays necessary fees.

Individuals who are homeless and seeking housing, jobs, bank accounts, and other opportunities for a trajectory to stability and self-sufficiency benefit from the opportunity to secure key documents

IDignity volunteers benefit from meeting a concrete need identified to them by people who are homeless.

Regional Commission on Homelessness members benefit from the data and results from IDignity events.

Federal, state, and local government agencies benefit from partnering to deliver services and lower barriers while increasing access.

Landlords, employers, and local business benefit from having new applicants for housing, jobs, and financial services.

As stated by one consumer who secured ID: "Now everyone will know who I am again." IDignity events generally serve about 250 individuals. Even with an average of 50 out-of-state requests that require further followup, about 90% of those present achieve success in securing vital documents.

IDignity volunteers are pleased by the opportunity to see immediate, tangible results for those coming to the event. One volunteer described meeting a consumer while shopping later, and learning that the new ID had helped the individual secure a job.

Co-location of key agencies for the event and flexible, results-oriented procedures produce results. An Orange County Health Department worker was able to get results for clients needing a birth certificate by printing at her nearby office and sending someone to retrieve and deliver it.

Another result: media attention for IDignity and the larger regional partnership to end homelessness. The Orlando Sentinel editorialized about IDignity: ". . . it's common sense. The more people you get off the streets, the less of a burden they are to social services, law enforcement, health and other agencies. By helping them, this community helps itself."

The faith-based partnership of five congregations - First United Methodist Church of Orlando, the Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Luke, St. James Cathedral, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, and Trinity Lutheran Church - heard directly from people experiencing homelessness of their need for this service and devised a partnership to deliver results with host Orlando Rescue Mission.

Volunteer coordinator Michael Dippy of First United Methodist Church Orlando has helped advance the event and its visibility. He is also the organizer for First United Methodist's ministry with the Interfaith Hospitality Network

The federal, state, and local government partners, including Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, the Orange County Health Department, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration are key. Legal counsel is provided by Legal Advocacy at Work. The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida pays necessary fees.

Visit the IDignity web site to learn more: http://www.idignity.org/

Watch a short video of IDignity on their site: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCCR5cwrCEA

Contact IDignity to learn more: email idignity3@gmail.com or call 407--792-1374

08 in 08, concludes with a Special Issue focused on . . . housing solutions that end homelessness for people who are homeless and addicted to alcohol . . .

Just one more innovation to come in this 08 in 08 series. You won't want to miss a single episode during this 08 in 08 Innovation series . . . but, if you do, you can always access the Council's "on demand" service and catch up. Just visit our web site at www.usich.gov/innovations. You can also see the Council's previous Innovations series - 20 in 20 and 5 in 5, all profiles of what's working to end homelessness.

email: usich@usich.gov

web: http://www.usich.gov