Unmet human needs

For many, a simple plastic ID card is just another item in their wallet, easily taken for granted. But for those experiencing homelessness the journey
to obtain an ID can be life-altering—and fraught with obstacles. At Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, we’ve seen this reality firsthand with clients like Jerrell, Alfonso, and Clay. With the support of our dedicated team, these individuals have overcome monumental hurdles in their journey toward stability,
independence, and the chance for a fresh start.

Jerrell’s Story: Jerrell has been a part of our community for years. With our team’s help, he navigated the initial steps of obtaining his birth certificate, then his ID—no small feat for someone without a permanent address or steady income. Over time, Niki, one of our committed staff members, connected him with job opportunities, helping him find positions that suited his goals and skills. Jerrell has faced some legal troubles, which made things even tougher, but he kept pushing forward. Today, he shared with us his latest milestone: he has maintained the same job for over three months and is now actively seeking permanent housing. Jerrell’s story is a testament to the resilience of those we serve and the transformative power of an ID—it’s more than just identification; it’s a key to opportunity.

Alfonso’’s Triumph: Alfonso’s path has been equally
challenging. With a misspelled name on his birth certificate, he faced repeated barriers to accessing identification, housing, and benefits. Our team guided him through the process of correcting his birth certificate. This week, Alfonso returned to our office, beaming as he shared his latest accomplishments: he now has a driver’s license bearing his correct name, his Social Security benefits have increased, and he’s moved into his own apartment. For Alfonso, having an
ID was the bridge to regaining control over his life and establishing a secure place to call home.

Clay’s Resilience: Clay, a senior veteran, lost his
wallet, and with it, his ID—an event that set off a series of devastating consequences. Without access to his bank account or Social Security benefits, he faced the very real prospect of prolonged homelessness, even with money waiting for him. Niki, however, refused to let Clay give up. Niki was able to help him order a new ID online using a gift card that had been donated to Catholic Charities. Today, he has his ID and access to his savings account.

The challenges that Jerrell, Alfonso, and Clay faced highlight a painful truth: without an ID, it’s almost impossible to move forward. Lacking one, individuals are shut out of the fundamental systems and services that many rely on without a second thought. Without an ID, they cannot secure housing, gain employment, access their own bank accounts or benefits, register vehicles, sign up for health care, or even stay at a hotel. This simple piece of plastic is, in effect, a lifeline.