An ID for the people, by the people

It’s official. After months of organizing with Houston Leads partners, Harris County will now offer residents new enhanced library cards! TOP and allies held a press conference Tuesday, April 5, 2022 celebrating the launch of this new enhanced library card program. Not having a form of photo ID presents challenges for vulnerable communities across Harris County, especially for those who are experiencing homelessness, the formerly incarcerated, domestic abuse survivors who have lost their documentation, and those without the ability to access a state ID.

This is a TOP home-grown campaign win, started by TOP immigration justice campaign members who identified this ID as an opportunity to fill a community need.

The enhanced library cards will include a photo, name, date of birth, and address for the recipient, providing Harris County residents who lack access to a form of identification with a basic form of alternative, non-traditional photo ID. Learn more about the new cards here.

Notable news coverage:

Houston Chronicle: Advocates tout ‘enhanced’ Harris County library cards, urge authorities to accept them as ID

ABC 13: Enhanced library cards designed to help Harris County residents with no photo ID

For more information about this campaign win and TOP’s immigration justice campaign efforts in Harris County, email Damaris Gonzalez at dgonzalez@organizetexas.org