text reading little known facts about homelessness

Little Known Facts About Homelessness & How You Can Help

Homelessness is often misunderstood, and many people are unaware of the realities faced by those experiencing it. At Homeless ID Project, we work every day to remove barriers that keep individuals and families from rebuilding their lives. Our tagline, “Help Starts Here,” reflects the vital role identification documents play in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Which homelessness facts do you think will surprise people the most?

1. About Half of All Homeless People in Arizona Are Families with Children

When people think of homelessness, they often picture single adults living on the streets. However, just about 50% of the homeless population in Arizona are families with children. These families face immense challenges, from finding safe shelter to enrolling children in school—both of which require identification documents. Without an ID, getting into stable housing or securing employment becomes nearly impossible.

2. Most People Who Experience Homelessness Will Find Stability Within a Year

One of the most misunderstood homelessness facts is the belief that it is a permanent condition. In reality, 75% of people who are homeless today will no longer be homeless in a year. Many face short-term crises—job loss, medical emergencies, or domestic violence—that temporarily force them onto the streets. The right support at the right time can help them regain stability quickly.

3. Only 15% of People Experiencing Homelessness Are Chronically Homeless

While chronic homelessness is a serious issue, only about 15% of people experiencing homelessness fall into this category. A person is considered chronically homeless if they have been homeless for one year or more or have experienced multiple episodes of homelessness over three years. For many, challenges such as mental illness, substance abuse, or disabilities make breaking free from homelessness much more difficult. However, for the majority, homelessness is a temporary situation that can be resolved with access to vital resources—starting with an ID.

a man and a woman wearing headsets at desks and text that reads "Lack of ID=0 Job Opportunities. Give someone the gift of employment opportunities by donating just $12!

An Ounce of Prevention…

The saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” couldn’t be more relevant to homelessness. The cost of preventing homelessness—by providing an ID, helping someone secure a job, or assisting with rent—is far lower than the cost of long-term homelessness. Prevention efforts are crucial in reducing the number of people who experience homelessness in the first place.

How You Can Help

Understanding these facts is just the first step. You can take action today by getting involved with Homeless ID Project. One of the best ways to start is by taking a tour of the Key Campus in downtown Phoenix. Seeing our work firsthand will help you understand the challenges our clients face and how simple solutions—like an ID—can change lives.

Help Starts Here

At Homeless ID Project, we believe that a single document can be the key to stability, dignity, and a brighter future. With your support, we can continue helping thousands of individuals and families take their first steps toward independence.

Ready to make a difference? Schedule a tour, donate, or volunteer today!

How a New ID Can Transform Lives: 69% of Clients Use Their ID to Get a Job

Imagine trying to apply for a job without an ID. It’s impossible. For individuals experiencing homelessness, this is a daily reality—a barrier that stands between them and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

At Homeless ID Project, we’re on a mission to change that. 69% of our clients come to us for a new ID so they can start a job and take the first critical step toward ending their homelessness.

Why IDs Matter

An ID is more than just a document—it’s a gateway to opportunity. Without an ID, individuals cannot:

  • Apply for a job or start employment.
  • Rent or lease housing.
  • Open a bank account or cash a paycheck.
  • Access medical care or other essential services.

For many, a replacement ID is the cornerstone of stability. It’s the key to breaking free from the cycle of homelessness and moving toward self-sufficiency.

FAQ about the Az Charitable Tax Credit

The Impact of Your Support

Here’s how you can make a difference:

For just $32 a month, you can provide someone with a new ID—a life-changing document that allows them to:

  • Secure meaningful employment.
  • Begin the process of finding stable housing.
  • Access vital resources like healthcare and education.
  • Reconnect with their community and rebuild their confidence.

Your monthly gift empowers individuals to move forward with dignity and hope.

The Need Is Growing

The demand for our services has never been greater. Each year, thousands of Arizonans face homelessness, and the lack of an ID remains one of the biggest obstacles to overcoming it. Your support helps us meet this urgent need, ensuring that every person has the tools they need to build a brighter future.

“I have to keep going. Utilizing my resources is the only way to get me out of this life and I’m so grateful to Homeless ID Project and all the others here that work together to help us get jobs and beds.”
Miata, Homeless ID Project client (2024)

Maximize Your Impact

There’s never been a better time to give. With the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $470 as an individual or $938 as a couple and get every dollar back on your state taxes. Your generosity costs you nothing while transforming lives.

Join Us in Ending Homelessness

Together, we can empower individuals to take that critical first step. Every ID we provide is a chance for someone to rebuild their life and end their homelessness.

👉 Ready to help? Donate today and start changing lives for just $32 a month. Your support creates new beginnings, one ID at a time.

Take a look!

November is Homeless Awareness Month: Empower Change with a Simple Donation

November is Homeless Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the challenges faced by those without stable housing and to consider how each of us can make a meaningful difference. Homelessness is a complex issue, rooted in a range of factors including job loss, mental health struggles, family conflicts, and lack of affordable housing. Every individual facing homelessness has their own unique story, but many share one common barrier: the lack of a valid ID.

An ID is often taken for granted, yet it’s essential for accessing nearly every service that helps someone regain stability. From securing housing and employment to enrolling in educational programs and receiving healthcare, an ID is the foundation for rebuilding one’s life. Unfortunately, for those experiencing homelessness, acquiring an ID can be a challenging and costly process. That’s where the Homeless ID Project steps in.

How is Homeless ID Project Making a Difference?

At the Homeless ID Project, we’re dedicated to removing this barrier by providing free identification services to those in need. Our mission is simple yet transformative: we give individuals the first tool they need to take back control of their lives. With just $12, you can cover the cost of an ID for someone struggling to regain stability. This small donation becomes a powerful act, empowering individuals to open doors they thought were closed to them.

Why is an ID so critical? Without identification, a person is often unable to access shelters, food assistance programs, or government services that could help them get back on their feet. An ID is also a requirement for opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or getting hired for a job. Imagine trying to overcome the challenges of homelessness without any documentation—no way to prove who you are, where you’ve come from, or even that you exist in the eyes of the system. By providing an ID, you’re giving someone a chance to build a new future.

You Can Make a Difference, Too

This November, we’re asking our community to join us in making a difference. For just $12, you can provide an ID for someone in need. Every donation, big or small, has a tangible impact and helps move us closer to a community where everyone has the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency. Your donation goes directly to covering the cost of IDs and the administrative support needed to guide clients through the process. Each ID we provide is a step toward self-reliance, security, and hope.

As we observe Homeless Awareness Month, take a moment to consider how a small contribution can change someone’s life. Together, we can help hundreds of individuals move closer to independence and stability. By donating today, you’re not only giving someone an ID—you’re offering them a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and a fresh start.

Donate to make a difference. For the cost of a couple of cups of coffee, you can help empower someone to take their first step toward a brighter future. Let’s come together this November to support those in need and create lasting change in our community.

How Can YOU Help The Homeless ID Project

At Homeless ID Project, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity for stability, and it all starts with an ID. Often overlooked, an ID can be the key to unlocking critical resources like housing, employment, healthcare, and more. Can you help? You sure can! Here are some meaningful ways you can support our mission and make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

Donate: Small Amounts, Big Impact

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Just $12 can cover the cost of an ID for someone striving to regain stability. When you contribute, you’re funding a vital first step toward independence for those who need it most. Your donation provides a tangible resource that can transform lives.

Volunteer: Give Your Time

Our volunteers play a crucial role in making our program accessible and welcoming. By dedicating your time, you help provide a calm and supportive environment where clients feel safe as they take steps toward change. Volunteers can assist with greeting clients, organizing materials, and helping people navigate the process of securing an ID. Your presence alone can make a lasting impact. Apply to talk about volunteering with us today.

Take a Tour: See the Impact in Person

Curious about how Homeless ID Project operates? Can you help, too? Schedule a tour of our campus to witness the positive change happening firsthand. This guided experience allows you to see the work we do daily and how an ID can change a life. It’s also a great way to understand where your support goes and how it reaches those who need it. Click here to schedule your tour today!

Spread the Word: Raise Awareness

Simply spreading the word can make a big difference! Share our social media posts, tell a friend about our mission, or discuss the impact of IDs in addressing homelessness. The more awareness we build, the more we can create a community that supports and uplifts people working to end their own homelessness. Your voice matters—let’s amplify it for a cause that transforms lives.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the know and share our updates with your network!

Together, One ID at a Time

At Homeless ID Project, we know that every small effort contributes to big changes. With your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy—we can continue empowering individuals to rebuild their lives, one ID at a time. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

Help Us Empower Lives with IDs

The Importance of IDs for the Homeless

Imagine being unable to secure a job, rent a home, or receive medical care—all because you lack an ID. This is a harsh reality for many people experiencing homelessness. Without an ID, essential services and opportunities remain out of reach, trapping individuals in a cycle of poverty and instability. An ID is more than just a piece of plastic; it is a lifeline, a first crucial step towards reclaiming one’s life and working towards ending homelessness.

How Homeless ID Project Makes a Difference

At Homeless ID Project, we are dedicated to helping those in need obtain the identification they require to access basic services and opportunities. Your support can make a real, tangible difference in the lives of these individuals. By donating to our cause, you are helping provide the essential documentation needed for housing, healthcare, and employment. The impact of your generosity is profound: 70% of our clients use the documents they receive to secure housing, 67% use them to gain employment, and more than 40% use them to obtain medical care.

The Impact of Your Donation

Every donation brings us closer to our goal of empowering lives and ending homelessness. Your contribution can help open doors for someone who has been shut out for too long. By giving them the tools they need to rebuild their lives, you give them hope and a chance for a brighter future.

How You Can Help

Click here to help us today. Together, we can open doors and empower lives, one ID at a time. Your support matters more than ever. Thank you for making a difference. 💪🌟

Of course, there are always other ways to help. We would love to show you around and see if our office might make a good volunteer experience for you. Sign up to take a tour today and learn more here!