The Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria (CSPC) is receiving a $35,000 grant to support the operations of the Greater Victoria Identification Service.
United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI) is providing the grant.
The funds will help the CSPC run weekly drop-in clinics, where people can be assisted in receiving, accessing, and paying fees to obtain ID.
Partnering with United Way allows CSCP to connect with people around Greater Victoria and provide ID services that will benefit residents’ well-being, said Shelly Cook, Executive Director of CSPC.
CSPC ID services offer client-centred, trauma-informed assistance in obtaining identification. CSPC covers the costs, provides a secure mailing address, and accompanies clients to ICBC appointments.
The lack of ID can be a substantial barrier to accessing social, financial, health, housing, and employment services, according to CSPC, while Obtaining ID can be overwhelming for marginalized populations and can lead to discrimination and increased stigma.
CSPC was founded in 1936 as a non-profit charitable social planning organization that provides evidence-based information to address social issues.
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