An advocate in Northeast Pennsylvania welcomes a new state law that will allow homeless residents to obtain free photo identification cards.
Act 131 of 2020, which Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed into law, makes it possible for Pennsylvanians experiencing homelessness to be issued a free initial photo ID or renewal.
The law takes effect Jan. 25. Individuals will be required to apply in person at a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver License Center.
Justin Behrens, executive director and CEO of Keystone Mission, a nonprofit Christian-based organization that helps homeless people in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, said many homeless residents lack photo identification. This hinders their ability to get jobs or housing that would help improve their situations.