University of Windsor law student's pro bono project to help homeless get IDs back

A group of law students at the University of Windsor are working on a project in partnership with the Downtown Mission to help homeless people get pieces of their identification back.

The Pro Bono Students Canada, University of Windsor chapter, will help get people their birth certificates, Ontario photo ID cards, socialinsurancenumbers and health cards.

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"That's how they gain access to the things we all want access to - health care, housing, and employment," said Shawn Stewart, program coordinator for the organization's regional chapter.

Stewart saidthe university'slaw faculty supplied a grant for the initiative, and the mission has "stepped up" to help withthe program as well.

"It's not only the problem of getting these IDs, it's keeping these IDs," said Stewart, who explained the mission will hold anyidentification for people to them safe.

Pro Bono Students Canada is in 22 of 23 law schools in Canada, and the Windsor Chapter alone has 113 participants.

"It's the highest amount of students we've ever had and they're working on 39 projects in the community," said Stewart.

The event will be held at the Downtown Mission at664 Victoria Avenue, on October25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.