“Paul” (not his real name) is a 16 year old young man who was reluctant to let staff at HOME know that his family is living in poverty. But he wanted our help. He eventually admitted that his family barely had money for food. He wanted to get a job so that he could help out at home while continuing with school. In order to get a job, he needed Oregon identification, either a driver’s permit or a picture ID. Permits cost less but are valid for a shorter period of time. Due to limited funds, we first asked Paul to take a permit test. He tried his best, but due to a learning disability, he was unable to complete the test. “I tried so hard, but just couldn’t do it,” he said when back at the office. “I don’t know where else to go or what to do. My family is too poor to help me get my ID on their own.” Staff from HOME’s Runaway and Homeless Youth Program had some funds to obtain an Oregon ID card for Paul and we are now assisting Paul in his job search. In Salem, and across the nation, family conflict is cited as the primary reason for a youth to run from home. Some older teens are asked to leave home – even if they have no where to go - because parents can not afford to provide for them. ID cards are required in Oregon to get a job, complete a GED, and are a legal requirement after the age of 18. The funds to help these youth are limited, but IDs can mean the difference between a child staying at home or being asked to leave.
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