IDignity is a non-profit group formed by several downtown Orlando churches to help the homeless obtain Florida ID Cards, Birth Certificates and Social Security Cards with assistance from legal counsel (see video below). Having a driver license and social security card is something that we all take for granted and is needed for any type of job, housing, or automobile. The documents that IDignity provides are required to apply for employment or school, obtain access to most shelters, vote, seek help from many social service programs, open a bank account or cash a check, secure housing or overcome many other obstacles to becoming self-sufficient.
Volunteering with IDignity
Many homeless are trapped because they have no means or anywhere to begin in order to receive these vital pieces of paper that allow you to function successfully in society. The group is run entirely by volunteers and is providing a great service to the disadvantaged of the city of Orlando. Most of the volunteers leave the IDignity events feeling that they have been served themselves and regularly return with a desire to do more.
Idignity Founder 2010 Orlando Sentinel Central Floridian of the Year
The Orlando Sentinel awarded the 2010 Central Floridian of the Year Award to IDignity founder, Michael Dippy. Dippy started and continues to lead IDignity after a series of events led him to start the organization.
Click Here to read the Sentinel’s coverage of IDignity and Michael Dippy.
Click Here for more information about IDignity on their website and to learn how to get involved.
Idignity Video