Homeless get IDs, birth certificates and employment help at state-sponsored event
Michael McDevitt
LAS CRUCES - Most of us probably take for granted having an identification card, a birth certificate or access to the internet. But for homeless individuals out of work and down on their luck, those are crucial to renting an apartment or holding a job.
That's what's motivated a program bringing several state agencies to Las Cruces Friday. They disseminated essential documents and services to the homeless population here in a process that was quicker and free.
This state-sponsored homeless services event was just a pilot event but may become a statewide initiative if it's seen as successful.
The event was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22 in a resource room at the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, with services scattered across several tables.
A similar event was first held in southeast Albuquerque last month, and Las Cruces served as a second testing ground.
At the event, the Department of Health issued birth certificates and free flu shots. From there, dozens waited in line at an outdoor trailer for the Motor Vehicle Division and used those birth certificates to get state IDs.
The Department of Workforce Solutions was available to sign up homeless people for mock job interviews and to review or help them create résumés. They could also use the center's computer system to search for job listings and were able to join the New Mexico Workforce Connection Online System at www.jobs.state.nm.us.
The Department of Human Services was also there to help connect homeless individuals to state or federal benefits.
The majority of attendees were able to present an identifying document that allowed the state to issue them their birth certificates, according to the Department of Health.
For some in attendance, getting those documents reopened doors that had been shut after their ID or birth certificate was lost, often to theft.
Think of everything the average person uses their ID for: renting a room at a hotel, proving who you are to a potential employer, traveling on an airplane, identifying yourself to police during a traffic stop, renting an apartment or even buying a six-pack of beer.
Kimberly Atencio, who said she's been on the street since 2008, said her ID and birth certificate were stolen more than a year ago. It's made things that much harder.
“When you’re homeless you get your stuff stolen a lot," Atencio said. "People rummage through your stuff. You’re asleep, they’ll go through your backpack, they’ll go through your purse.”
Cradling a tiny dog named Lucky in a carrying case, Atencio explained how without an ID, she can't rent a motel room or properly identify herself to law enforcement. She can't get a Social Security card.
Joe Hernandez, who was also there to get his ID and birth certificate replaced, said things went bad when his mom had a stroke three years ago.
“She got sent to a rehabilitation center," he said. "All the stuff she had throughout the apartment got thrown away. The landlord threw all that … away.”
Both Hernandez and Atencio said getting those documents replaced was going to "open up a lot of doors."
Colleen Petti and Tony McNeil said they traveled to Las Cruces from Salt Lake City by bus, but shortly had their IDs stolen. That's stalled them, Petti said, in getting back on their feet. They've been living on the street in Las Cruces since February.
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“It’s been terrible without ID. We can’t do anything," Petti said. "We can’t rent. You can’t get a hotel … So this (event) is probably the most helpful thing we’ve had.”
Nicole Martinez, the executive director of the Community of Hope, said while the ID services are ones the center already provides, having the relevant agencies on site to expedite the process was "amazing" and made things easier.
Martinez said getting an ID and a birth certificate "are the first steps in helping someone to end their homelessness."
All the services exhibited were available for free. Flu shot and birth certificate costs were covered by the Health Department, and others, such as the issuance of IDs, were paid for out of donations.
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce and McCamley each pitched in $250. That covered the administrative cost of IDs for 50 people. McCamley said he donated some extra money in person to help four people get driver's licenses.
After the event, McCamley said 50 people were issued state IDs. A health department spokesperson said it issued 17 New Mexico birth certificates and helped more than 20 people who needed birth certificates from other states.
Martinez said she hopes it becomes a statewide program so the Community of Hope can hold more events throughout the year there.
Michael McDevitt can be reached at 575-202-3205, mmcdevitt@lcsun-news.com or @MikeMcDTweets on Twitter.
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