When individuals are faced with homelessness or a crisis, often this basic documentation is lost, leaving them unable to recover and find stability. The process of securing all the documentation needed to secure identification to find treatment services, sustainable employment and housing can be complex and troublesome. We have outlined some community agencies who work closely with individuals to assist in advancing this hurtle.

To understand what is needed to secure an identification card, we have outlined two certified form of identification that will be needed.
The Primary Document must have the persons date of birth. Some examples of this document can include: a birth certificate, passport, citizenship documentation, a certified document from the courthouse, or a state ID/DL not expired beyond 6 months.
The Secondary document must have the persons social security number. These documents can include: a social security care, a social security print out, a certified court document, a school transcript, Medicare card, W-2 form, 1099 form, pay stub or military documents.

If an individual has lost all forms of identification, it is suggested to start with a birth certificate. Some individuals may not have the ability to fund the purchase of a birth certificate and may qualify for a voucher to aide. Below is a list of agencies who provide financial assistance to obtain birth certificates and IDs.

• Freestore Foodbank
112 E Liberty; Cincinnati, OH
513.241.1064
website
Provides financial assistance with birth certificates on the first Wednesday of the month for the first 5 people who arrive or by appointment only
Also provides birth certificates and IDs on an immediate basis if you contact Lisa Snorton at 513-370-0444

• Hamilton County Veteran Service Commission
230 East 9th Street; Cincinnati, OH 45202
513.946.3300
webite
Provides vouchers for Veterans to get birth certificates
Arrive between 8am-10am Monday-Friday to complete an application for assistance

• Our Daily Bread
1730 Race Street (at Elder Street); Cincinnati, OH 45202
513.621.6364 ext.16
website
Hours: Monday-Friday: 930am-1145am; Assistance with obtaining/paying for ID's and birth certificates

• Salvation Army
120 East Central Parkway; Cincinnati, OH 45202
513.762.5649
website
Assists with obtaining birth certificates and state ID's

• St. Vincent DePaul Emergency Services
1125 Bank Street; Cincinnati, OH 45214
513.562.8841
wesite
Assistance with birth certificates and ID only for clients born in Ohio
Walk-ins welcome the 1st Thursday of each month: 9am-11am (only the first 100 people are served each month due to limited financial resources)
Once funding is secured, individuals can visit a local health department or agency who furnishes birth certificates. Some local options are listed below.

• Elm Street Health Center
1525 Elm Street; Cincinnati, OH 45210 (1st Floor)
513.352.2925
To apply for a birth certificate, go to 1st Floor Elm Street Health Center between 8am-3pm
Birth Certificates may be picked up on the day applied for, prior to 3pm
Cost: $22 per copy; accepts voucher, issues Birth Certificates for anyone born in Ohio

• Hamilton County Public Health
250 William Howard Taft Cincinnati, OH 45219 2nd Floor
The fee is $24 per certificate
• Listings of all local (KY & OH) agency’s who can issue birth certificates. here

Finding secondary documentation that lists the individual’s social security number can be handled creatively.
A certified court document can be used if the individual has previously been incarcerated. In Hamilton County, an individual who has previous incarcerations may visit:
Hamilton County Justice Center
1000 Sycamore St Cincinnati, OH 45202
Clerk of Courts office. Individuals ask the office for a release document with captured photo.
Individuals can also request a school transcript or previous W2 where possible.
Form BMV-5745 may be used to prove the applicant's SSN only if the applicant has previously established their SSN with the BMV. This form is also available at Deputy Registrar agencies to be filled out at the time of the transaction.

For individuals who are seeking immediate treatment services but do not have an identification card; UC Early Intervention Program through the emergency department and Brightview will both induct into treatment services without state issued ID/DL.