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IDs For Homeless Weighed
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ID cards and voice mail could help thousands of homeless people get a job, advocates say.
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Published: April 3, 2008
TAMPA - ID cards and voice mail could help thousands of homeless people get a job, home and normal life, several advocates told the Hillsborough County Commission.
Thomas Atchison and Lee Hoffman of New Beginnings, a nonprofit organization that helps people with drug and alcohol problems, asked commissioners for an initial commitment of $125,000, which they say would pay for 1,000 voice-mail accounts and 1,400 identification cards.
Atchison said the funding is "miniscule" compared with the money the county has to pay to keep homeless people in jail on minor offenses.
That's where many end up because they can't produce identification when stopped by police. Without ID cards, homeless people can't apply for jobs or get free medication from county health services. The voice mail would give potential employers a number to call if they want to hire a homeless person, he said.
"They can't even get day labor without an ID," Atchison said.
Hoffman, who was once homeless, said the public's perception that most homeless people are drunks and drug addicts who do not want to work is largely groundless. Many become homeless because they lose their job and can't afford medication that keeps them healthy and stable, he said.
"Giving them voice mails and IDs ... is not giving a handout; it's giving them a hand up," Hoffman said.
County Commissioners Kevin White and Mark Sharpe expressed support for the plan.
"When a homeless person without an ID is arrested, the police department can't release him on his own recognizance," White said. "They must go to jail. ... That can cost thousands and thousands of dollars to county taxpayers."
The commission took no action, but Commissioner Brian Blair asked Atchison to make an appointment to meet later.
Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303 or msalinero@tampatrib.com.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( RobKay ) on April 3, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I hope it works. It could be a win win situation for everyone if it works. I guess the only way to find out is to try it. Good luck.
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Posted by ( bonkbonk ) on April 3, 2008 at 6:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Just in time! Being homless is becoming a plus now that it's going to get a lot more crowed out there!!
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Posted by ( welshiesdad ) on April 3, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What a swell idea! Now they can coordinate what intersections to beg at and at the end of the day where to buy the beer....
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Posted by ( DeadCenter ) on April 3, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am not against the idea but lets clearly define a couple of things.
-They state, the $125K is an INITIAL papment. Will there be more?
-They state homeless who are ARRESTED FOR A CRIME and DO NOT have an ID go to jail. Not any homeless who do not have an ID go to jail.
-How many homeless want to work?
Lets make sure we are taking actions that not only sound good and make us feel warm all over, but that address the problem and actually help resolve it.
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Posted by ( mr_hanky ) on April 3, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
How will they access those voice mail accounts? Do we have to give them all cell phones as well?
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Posted by ( westwardho ) on April 3, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
They do not state that homeless who are arrested for a crime and do not have an ID go to jail. They state, "That's where many end up because they can't produce identification when stopped by police." There are many situations in which a policeman might ask for an ID that do not include comminitting a crime. It also sets them up for harassment for just that reason.
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Posted by ( pastortom ) on April 3, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is tom Atchison. No cell phones are used. The cost goes down each year. This will not cure homelessness. Those who want to get off the street will be helped and those looking for a free ride will not. If you want more info call me 81`3-244-4355
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Posted by ( newlifecrc ) on April 3, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'm Lee Hoffman,
And I belong to an organization called HOPE. We develop and research certain mainstream item's, that directly affect our communitie's. We are not bleeding heart liberal's, nor are we people who prioritize thing's to make us feel good, about ourselve's. We actually try and address issue's to solve problem's that we did not create, or to where the need's of people are leaning to.
The idea of getting voicemail's and identification for the homeless people, is not a feel good propsal, but an actual fact. People become homeless for quite a few reason's, not just because they are lazy, as some people have that notion, nor because they have a drug or alcohol problem. Some are veteran's, who have fought in war's, some are people who have lost their id's, and can't procure a job, health service's, or any type of financial assisstance. We have to remember, one day, it could be you! Maybe a hurricane,death in the family, or a divorce. If you would like to find out more, feel free to contact me either by e-mail,newlifecrc@hotmail.com, or by phone @ 813-244 8370. Remember this:Sometime's the choice you have to live with is not your own. No matter who you are,somebody helped you.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on April 4, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hi, I'm DarthRandall,
Many people are homeless and smell like sour milk. Some of these people smell of urine, [word omitted], ham and feet. Most of these people have brought this on themselves and do not deserve assistance from the decent, hard working people of this or any other community. Those few who are homeless due to some catastrophic event in their lives, I have pity for you.... Not a phone, not an I.D. tag, not a dollar so you can buy "smokes", but I do have pity for you. There are places for you go for assistance, not that you're reading this on a computer..... The rest of you "hobos" - get a freaking job, take a shower, get off the sauce, and act like an adult......
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on April 4, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Oh, for those who wish for help, call me: (813) 935-8552, ask for Mr. Lyons.
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Posted by ( Quagmire ) on April 4, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Darth, LMFAOROTGDFCMFEO
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on April 4, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Actually, scratch that. If you need help - call the two saps who appear above me, ok?
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Posted by ( Warreng ) on April 4, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Between 20-30% of homeless are employed but can't afford to pay rent. Many of the homeless are children. There are over 190,000 homeless veterans which is a national disgrace. A minimum wage job won't even pay the rent in a broken down flop house anymore, and many are whole families of homeless people. Some of the cruel people on here need to do some research on the homeless in America. It's possible they may join the ranks of the homeless one day. It only takes one bad break.
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Posted by ( Warreng ) on April 4, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is a link to a you tube video. Hopefully they will allow me to post it here. Title of video..,
Homeless in America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skVtZBaA8ms
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Posted by ( buk ) on April 8, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ignorance is bliss.
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