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Letter: B.C. ID requirements a huge barrier for people who are homeless

A social worker speaks out
homeless

Editor:

As a social worker, I have become frustrated by the lack of action by the provincial and federal governments to remove barriers for poor and marginalized people to access essential services. Specifically, the need to show a government-issued ID to obtain any help.

You need an ID to get a new ID. You also need money to get an ID and you need a mailing address to receive the ID. How is a homeless person supposed to get an ID? Many government forms are also complicated to fill out for someone living with mental illness or drug addiction or a lack of education or limited English ability.

Furthermore, many poor and marginalized people are focused on their basic necessities such as staying warm and getting enough to eat. Making sure their ID is in a safe space and not lost is not a huge priority for some of them. Many also do not have access to computers or cell phones to apply for a new ID. 

Anyone in B.C. should be able to walk into any government office and pass a security check and obtain services on the spot. 

Why does the social service system have to be so broken and inaccessible for a vulnerable sector of the population?

And don’t get me started on the meagre and shameful income assistance and disability shelter and support allowances in Metro Vancouver which is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in.

How you treat the poor and marginalized is a reflection of the health and welfare of society at large. Time for the government to treat the poor how you want to be treated.

Alex Sangha