KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Hope Partnership, an organization that helps the homeless, has been actively working to help those in need in Osceola County.

What You Need To Know

  • Homelessness in Osceola County has risen by 27% according to Hope Partnership

  • Hope Partnership and I-Dignity assist homeless individuals in obtaining crucial identification documents

  • Workers also help people find permanent housing

A recent report by the organizations reveals a troubling increase, with homeless numbers going up by 27% compared to last year. 

In response, Hope Partnership has been reaching out to those in need, focusing on an important aspect: identification.

Reverend Mary Lee Downey, who works with Hope Partnership and I-Dignity, says it's crucial to understand that homeless people have lost their belongings and need identification.

I-Dignity assists with getting important documents like a Florida ID, birth certificate, or social security card.

“So, if you’re a person experiencing homelessness that doesn’t have an ID, and you want to spend a night in a hotel, you’re not going to get to, because the hotel is going to ask you for your ID,” said Downey.

Identification is also vital for homeless individuals to find jobs and reintegrate into society.

Hope Partnership and I-Dignity have helped over two thousand people get identification in the past year.

Jacob Smith, a representative, goes around Osceola County asking homeless individuals if they need anything, including IDs.

"The cycle of homelessness can be incredibly tough. Obtaining an ID and then losing it, whether due to theft or misplacement, creates additional complications," said Smith.

Smith and the team provide various services, including help with finding permanent housing.

The plight of Bruce Wagner, who has been living on the streets of Kissimmee since suffering a stroke last year, serves as an example.

Wagner lost his social security card amidst his struggles.

"I couldn't work or do anything after the stroke. I used up my savings and had nowhere to go," says Wagner.

Thanks to Jacob and the I-Dignity team, Wagner got a replacement social security card. Now they are helping him find a permanent place to live.

Having a social security card is essential — "If he did not have it, then it could be again weeks, months until we could start that application process,” said Smith.

Hope Partnership acknowledges that proving a person's identity to the courts can take a long time and often requires help from lawyers.