top of page

Identification Assistance

Replace or Obtain Important Identification

Identification can be needed to access housing, income supports, healthcare, banking, employment and other everyday services. Losing or not have identification can create significant barriers. 

​

Our ID Assistance service helps reduce those barriers by working alongside adults to understand what identification they need and helping them navigate the steps required to obtain or replace it.​​

​

You do not need a referral, appointment or existing identification to ask for help.

How We Can Help

Every person’s situation is different. Some people may need to replace one lost document, while others may be starting with little or no identification at all.

​

Depending on your needs and the requirements of the document being requested, staff may be able to help you:

  • Understand what type of identification you may need

  • Determine where and how to apply

  • Understand application requirements

  • Complete forms and applications

  • Gather or locate supporting documents

  • Replace lost, stolen, damaged or expired identification

  • Access computers, internet, printing or copying needed for an application

  • Contact government departments or other organizations involved in the process

​

You do not need to know exactly which identification document you need before connecting with us. Staff can help you understand your options and where to begin.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Identification applications often involve sensitive personal information. We understand the importance of keeping this information private and secure.
 

Staff will explain:

  • Why information is being requested

  • How the information will be used

  • Whether information needs to be shared with another organization

  • What consent may be required
     

We collect and use information only as needed to provide services, maintain safety and meet legal or organizational responsibilities.
 

Whenever possible, you remain involved in decisions about how your information is shared.

ID Assistance and System Navigation

Identification is often one part of a larger goal. Someone may begin by needing a new piece of identification and later need help applying for housing, accessing income benefits, connecting with healthcare or navigating another system.

​

If you would like additional support, staff may also be able to help you explore:

  • Housing options

  • Income and government benefits

  • Banking

  • Healthcare

  • Employment-related services

  • Treatment and recovery supports

  • Legal and court processes

  • Transportation

  • Community programs and services
     

Accessing ID Assistance does not require you to participate in any other service. You decide what support you would like to explore and what your next steps will be.

​

​

Referring Someone For ID Assistance? 

While a professional referral is not required to access our services. Service providers, family members and other supporters may help someone connect with us, but whenever possible, the individual should be involved in the process and consent before any personal information is shared. 

​

You may contact us for general information about ID assistance without providing identifying information about the person you are supporting.

 

Because many identification applications require information or consent directly from the individual, staff will generally need to work with the person seeking identification as part of the process.

Stay Connected:

  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Get Involved:

JH Logo_edited.png

Cold Lake John Howard Society acknowledges that we operate on Treaty 6 Territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/Saulteaux/ Anishinaabe, and Inuit. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada who enrich our community. We continue to explore our relationship to the land and reflect on what it means to be Treaty people.

 

We are dedicated to addressing Indigenous homelessness through our partnerships which benefit Indigenous clients, as well as clients facing barriers due to their ethnicity, gender, and sexuality.

 

There is much work to be done to close these gaps and move towards reconciliation. We are committed to providing support and resources to ensure that everyone in our city has a safe place to call home.

bottom of page