Editorial: People with no names

Monday, Nov. 15, 2004 | 9:01 a.m.

The 12th annual Stand Down for the Homeless, held last week at the Cashman Center, drew 2,340 people -- many of them nameless. Or at least that's how they perceive themselves, given that they no longer have any way to prove who they are.

After years of being adrift on the streets, with no place to safely store belongings, many, if not most, homeless people no longer have birth certificates, Social Security cards, driver's licenses, military records or any of the normal paperwork required for proving you are who you say you are.

The Stand Down was able to provide homeless people with many items and services -- local judges quashed citations for minor offenses such as loitering and jaywalking, blankets were distributed, haircuts were given and health professionals administered medical care.

Yet the one service most sought after -- help in obtaining identification cards -- was not available. It would take a special program, costing time and money, to help thousands of people regain their identities. There is no funding for such a program, but without it, homeless people can't apply for a job. And without a job, they remain homeless.

As public and private social service agencies review their homeless programs, we hope they can find the funding for such a service. It might just be the first step toward a significant reduction in homelessness.