Homeless I.D. Project received a grant in the amount of $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities in support of the “ID Empowers Our Community” Program. Funding will provide what for many is the critical first step of identification replacement services needed to end and prevent homelessness.
“We are very grateful for this vital grant from Thunderbirds Charities,” said Executive Director Rick Mitchell. “An ID provides tangible help for individuals working toward ending their homelessness. It also infuses value to the community as newly empowered individuals are able to engage, to support themselves and their families, and to contribute to the community by reducing resources spent on homelessness.” Homeless I.D. Project’s Director of Programs, Eric Ortega, added that, “an ID is not the first thing we think about when considering the state of homelessness, but without an ID, people are stuck. There is no opportunity to get a job, housing, or even basic services. There is no way out.”
During 2022, Homeless I.D. Project provided 12,143 documents, including 8,000 state-issued IDs and 4,000 replacement copies of birth certificates from all 50 states from their office in the Brian Garcia Welcome Center on the Human Services Campus in Downtown Phoenix and in outreach programs across Maricopa and Pima Counties. This year, the Homeless I.D. Project has expanded services into Mohave and Navajo Counties with future outreach expanding services into Yavapai, Coconino, Gila, and Yuma Counties.
“Thunderbirds Charities is honored to support Homeless I.D. Project,” said Pat Williams, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “Individuals in need are able to move forward in their journey to a better life because of this incredible program.”
This grant is part of the Spring 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.