Volunteers and faith-based groups told the Committee on Human Services on Oct. 9 that many clients who need state identification are blocked from accessing it because only a small number of agencies are currently authorized to complete the social service proof-of-residency form required by the District.

Elizabeth Homestead and Jackie Wright, who run an ID assistance ministry at Foundry United Methodist Church, said their volunteers previously relied on two dozen agencies to provide residency verification but now must refer most people to the Downtown Day Services Center. Wright said the center distributes "about 20 forms once a week on Thursdays," and that some clients "begin lining up around 4 a.m." to have a chance at a form. Homestead told the committee that without proof of residency, clients cannot apply for housing, open bank accounts, enroll in benefits or secure employment.

DHS Acting Director Rachel Pierre told the committee the change was intended to improve quality control and to prioritize District residents; she said the Downtown Day Center is not the only authorized site and named Adams Place Day Service Center, 801 East Day Service Center, Mary's Kitchen, Pathways to Housing and Community Connections as other authorized providers. Pierre said the prominence of Thursday is partly because the DMV operates a drop-in service on that day, which leads clients to prefer completing both steps at once. Pierre said she would follow up on the committee's report that residents are lining up at 4 a.m. and would check whether a formal receipt or ticketing process is needed for drop-box submissions.

Advocates urged the council and DHS to expand the list of authorized providers, streamline coordination with nonprofits and ensure enough forms are available so clients are not forced to choose between waiting for ID verification and meeting other urgent needs.