The Modern World Creates More Obstacles for Homeless Individuals

In today’s world, having an identification card, access to a computer, and facilities to maintain your personal hygiene are basic requirements.

But, for many homeless people, getting access to the very things that provide us with an identity and human comforts is a challenge. And, oftentimes, these are some of the very things a homeless person needs to find a job and receive services.

Seeking ID

Living in the modern world without identification is nearly impossible. While you can still get on a bus or subway without one, you certainly can’t apply for a job. This prohibits you from applying for any social programs to improve your situation, as well.

Whether they have lost their ID, it has expired or they simply couldn’t retrieve it from their former home, the longer someone is homeless, the harder it can be to renew identification or apply for it.

Not only do homeless people face a financial obstacle in obtaining this necessary card, but they also may not have access to their birth certificate or other forms of identification to secure a government-issued ID. Anyone can order their birth certificate from their state of birth, but without money or an address where it can be sent, the task of securing ID becomes next to impossible.

Many states do offer free or reduced-rate IDs, but you still need two other forms of ID and proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate or utility bill, to qualify.

And that can start a ripple effect: without ID, a person who is homeless can’t apply for a job or seek assistance.

There are advocacy groups, such as the Homeless ID Project, but it is often up to a social worker or other advocate to suggest this organization. They also may have to help the homeless person contact these organizations if he or she does not have a cell phone or access to a computer.

Access to Modern Technology

While many homeless people find a way to keep their cell phones, there are many who can’t keep up with the carrier fees, or their phones become old and unusable, and they can’t afford a new one.

Our modern world requires that we have a cell phone number, an email address and access to the internet to find jobs that might help the homeless get out of their situation.

Gone are the days of picking up a newspaper to look in the “Help Wanted” section of the classified ads. Most jobs are posted on the Internet on boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter. Even jobs that don’t require higher education, like fast-food or retail positions, require that candidates fill out a form online.

Most cities have a local library that will allow anyone to access a bank of computers. But because homeless people do not have constant access to these machines, they could miss out on open positions since they can’t regularly access their email.

This digital barrier can also prevent homeless individuals from accessing the very services they need to get off the streets.

Cleaning Up

Many years ago, poor and unhoused people could seek work on farms or in mines where cleanliness wasn’t as important. When a farmer needed to hire people to bring in the crops, he probably didn’t care if his workers were scrubbed.

But, today, most of our work requires that we show up clean and without a foul odor. Even during the interview process, job seekers need to present themselves well. This is difficult to do if you can’t groom yourself.

Poor hygiene can also lead to a variety of health issues. These include dermatological problems, decaying teeth and exposure to germs that carry disease. This results in missed days from work, which can cause someone to get fired.

This is why the services that TORCH provides are so essential. The longer someone faces homelessness, the harder it is to have access to the modern technology and personal care facilities we need to survive in today’s world.

If you or someone you know is facing homelessness in Anderson County, contact TORCH today at (865) 318-4788. Our rapid rehousing program can assist you with shelter. We can also put you in touch with caseworkers to help you apply for the assistance you need to stay afloat in a modern society.