In the case of a homeless person, it can be difficult, or even impossible, to obtain proof of residence in the community as well as proof of identity.
DEFINITION
A person or family is considered homeless when it meets at least one of the four following situations:
- Is not guaranteed to have stable accommodations for the next 60 days;
- Is accommodated by a community-based organization offering services or shelter for homeless people;
- Does not have a set or stable address;
- Has previously used the services of a community-based organization without necessarily currently using them.
ABSENCE OF IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Any individual who requests financial assistance must present supporting documents in order to prove his/her identity.
A. EMISSION OF THE 1ST CHEQUE
A homeless person often does not have any of these documents; in the absence of these documents and while waiting for them to be provided, a first cheque can be allocated to the person as long as he/she can DEMONSTRATE his/her IDENTITY.
However, in the ABSENCE of all identification cards, only the Social Development Director can authorize the allocation of a first cheque.
B. SUBSEQUENT CHEQUES
For subsequent cheques, if the requested DOCUMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN PROVIDED, the assistance allocations cannot continue without the authorization of the Social Development Director.
PROOF OF RESIDENCE
It is difficult for a homeless person who does not have, by definition, a housing unit to produce a lease, rent receipt or proof of residence for the purpose of verifying that he/she resides in the community. In these types of situations, residence can be demonstrated by a WRITTEN STATEMENT that is provided by a community-based organization, a social intervener or even by the health centre.
In the absence of these documents, proof of residence can be provided through a VERBAL CONFIRMATION by a person who represents a community-based organization to the effect that the homeless person uses his/her organization’s services or also through a statement made by the homeless person indicating that he/she resides in the community.
This rule applies when the usual proof of residence cannot be obtained. As soon as he/she has an address, the homeless person is obligated to declare it.
MAILING ADDRESS
The financial assistance can be forwarded by mail to a community-based organization, the health centre or directly handed to the individual by the last resort financial assistance agent or counsellor. It can also be sent to the address of a person designated by the homeless person.
In order to facilitate the management of financial assistance allocations or from a perspective of social supportive care, an agreement can be reached between a community-based organization and the income security management unit. The duration of this agreement is established in accordance with the need as agreed upon between the organization and the income security management unit.
However, the absence of such an agreement does not render the homeless person ineligible for benefits. Moreover, the allocation of financial assistance is not dependent upon the written statement designating a relative, friend or any other person.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE BENEFIT BY A THIRD PARTY
When consent is provided by the homeless person, the financial assistance can be PAID to an ADMINISTRATOR. In these cases, the duration of the administration period is agreed upon between the parties and recorded on the “FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ADMINISTRATION BY A THIRD PARTY” form in order to ensure that the aspects of the commitments made by a client, particularly for the renting of a room, can be respected. The duration is established in accordance with an objective of ensuring the client’s autonomy; however it should not exceed six months at a time, while being renewable as often as needed (see section 13.5.3)