An identity document (ID) is a legal requirement in order to access many government services in South Africa. Yet the Department of Home Affairs remains inaccessible for many destitute street people. Limiting access to social service grants, housing applications and employment opportunities.
The MID, to date, assisted fifteen homeless individuals with access to an ID.
Recently five individuals, through the social work services programme, were accompanied by the fieldworkers to apply for their IDs. Unfortunately two applicants missed the intake cut-off of 200 applicants per the day. Both individuals, desperate for an identity documents, spent the night on the streets of Wynberg in order to be the first in line to meeting up with the fieldworkers the following day.
Now, in posession of an ID, one individual secured employment whilst the other four applied for social service grants.
Obtaining an ID is not easy for indigent persons living on the streets. It requires access to transport and R140 application fee. We recognise that access to an ID is crucial when assisting an individual who willingly works with the social worker towards a life off the streets.
Assisting a homeless individual with access to an ID is one way that you can give a hand-up. Email socialwork@mid.org.za for more details.