One sunny day in March, Jennifer, Program Director, and I had an opportunity to attend the Homelessness Advocacy Day at the state capital in Lansing.
We were invited to attend through a taskforce Jennifer is part of that focuses on challenges and obstacles individuals face when trying to obtain their vital records. As one of the ID Coordinators at Dégagé, I work with our patrons to secure their birth certificate, social security card, school records and/or identification. These vital records are important when obtaining employment and housing.
During the Homelessness Advocacy Day, attendees were divided into groups and met with their state legislators concerning homelessness issues. During the day, our group met with Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, Representative David LaGrand, Legislative Director Phil Skaggs, Representative Winnie Brinks, and Adam Erber, an aid for Senator Hildenbrand.
During our meetings, Jennifer and I focused on sharing about the vital records process we walk through with our patrons. In addition, we shared about some of the difficulties we face when trying to obtain vital documents for our patrons.
At the end of the day, we felt that the information we were able to provide will be helpful to these legislators as they consider future support and regulations regarding state IDs and vital documents.
By Pat Rodenhouse
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