CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — A Charlottesville group has teamed up with churches in the area to create an ID program for people who struggle to obtain one issued by a government agency.
The program, backed by Welcoming Greater Charlottesville, is designed to help those living in the shadows and give them a sense of belonging in the community.
“Our purpose is to make the community, city and county as welcoming as possible especially those who are marginalized,” said Russ Linden with Welcoming Greater Charlottesville.
The local ID is still in the design stage but basic information such as a person’s name, address, date of birth, and a photo will be on the card.
This isn’t a government-issued ID but an identification card for those who have trouble getting the proper documentation.
“It doesn’t give people access to things they are not eligible [for] but it will help make people feel more a part of the community more accepted,” Linden said.
The initiative is seen as a way to break down barriers and open doors for many. Without identification, many people struggle to access basic services such as opening a bank account and enrolling their child in school.
Residents such as immigrants, homeless people, the elderly, and people returning from jail will benefit from the program.
Two local churches, New Beginnings Christian Community and Hinton Avenue United Methodist, are the official sponsors.
Brenda G. Brown-Grooms is a minister at New Beginnings Christian Community. Through her experience working with those returning home from jail, she says there’s a great need for this type of program.
“In the case of New Beginnings, we begin to notice the problem with people having a valid ID to do basic things they needed to have in order to live a decent life,” she said.
“If you’ve ever connected with people who have been in jail and have been released, you know some of the problems they have with getting jobs and housing. You need ID to do any of that and if you don’t you’re at a disadvantage,” added Brown-Grooms.
Critics of the initiative may wonder why residents can’t use a DMV-issued ID or drivers license but according to those leading the initiative, it’s not always that easy.
“Now the DMV does issue IDs and many people prefer that but we know of some who have gone. The DMV required certain documents that the people did not have, they lost them or just didn’t have,” Linden said. “Some folks who are undocumented so that do not have by definition to show documents they are here legally. But they are here and a part of our community.”
The program is being modeled after communities in North Carolina and Indiana, which have developed successful ID programs and issued identification to thousands.
Anyone, of any age or background living in Charlottesville or Albemarle County, can apply.
Leaders are working with local government agencies and law enforcement for them to accept the ID. They see this as a way to build trust between communities, such as immigrants and police.
Linden says that many undocumented immigrants do not report crimes in their neighborhoods because they do not feel comfortable contacting police because they do not have identification to show officers.
The program is still being developed. Leaders hope it rolled out sometime in 2019.
