This is a guest opinion column
Alabama House Bill 385, which goes into effect July 1, eliminates fees associated with obtaining a driver’s license for youth experiencing homelessness. Lack of access to vital documents, such as a driver’s license, is a key impediment to self-sufficiency for Alabama’s 16,000 youth experiencing homelessness. This legislation, made possible through leadership of Rep. Kyle South and Sen. Kirk Hatcher, represents a critical step forward in advancing support for Alabama’s most vulnerable young people.
Experiencing homelessness as a child or youth is a predictor of adult homelessness. Intervening early is a key to better life outcomes and preventing future homelessness. The purpose of expanding access to resources is not to give things away for free, but rather to ensure that people will be able to exit homelessness and transition into stable living situations. Homeless youth want to get out of their hardships and improve their lives.
Youth need state-issued IDs for transportation, as well as to access employment and services that can help end their homelessness, including many housing, food, and education programs. A 2021 statewide survey found that transportation is the top barrier to employment and post-secondary education for homeless youth, two critical factors for ending cycles of homelessness and helping homeless youth achieve economic independence. Further, unemployment rates for people experiencing homelessness can be up to 20 times...
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