By Mark Bashore, WKAR News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-859887.mp3
LANSING, MI – About 40 human service agencies spent Thursday dispensing free goods and services to the homeless at an annual event in Lansing. This year's gathering featured something new---identification cards for the homeless.
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Lines were long for the new ID cards that will verify eligibility when receiving public services. Mary Clark of Lansing is a longtime human services administrator who volunteered at the gathering:
"There are always a few that are going to be hesitant to be part of a 'system' as such, but I think most people realize that this card is their key to services that can help them move out of homelessness or help them navigate the system," she said.
The ID card system is part of an ongoing federal initiative from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.