Port City Refuge First Steps

Gas prices are up. Groceries cost more. Housing costs more. The cost of living is going up for everyone—and we understand that, because we're all having to look up and see that next rung getting a little higher.

But imagine being at the very bottom and looking up.

For our homeless and near-homeless neighbors, that next rung was already difficult to reach. As costs continue to rise, it gets even farther out of reach.

Sometimes that next rung is something as simple as a birth certificate or state ID—the very thing someone needs to get a job, secure housing, access benefits, receive medical care, or simply begin moving forward again.

That's where First Steps comes in. We help people overcome those first barriers and reach that next rung.

We know not everyone is in a position to give right now. But if you are able, any amount helps us give someone a hand up and a chance to get started again.

When you're standing at the bottom, sometimes you just need someone to help you reach that next rung.

How you can help:

🔹 Give online: https://port-city-refuge-521267.churchcenter.com/giving

🔹 Cash App:
💲 $PortCityFirstSteps

📌 Impact:
$100 helps five First Steps friends start their journey.

🌱 Want to walk with us monthly?
A $20 monthly gift helps provide steady support for IDs, documents, and guidance — allowing someone to take that first step without delay.

We’re proud to support Be The Change Gulf Coast, a wonderful partner organization that has supported First Steps and helped us continue helping others in our community. ❤️

Come join us for Hive Fest at Hatcher Farms — November 1 from 2–6 PM!

Great music, great people, and a great cause. We hope to see you there!

In less than 18 months, First Steps has worked with more than 900 unique individuals and assisted with over 1,200 forms of identification.

Behind those numbers are people facing a simple but powerful barrier: they can’t prove who they are.

Without proper identification, getting a job, driving a car, opening a bank account, accessing benefits or medical care, checking into a hotel, or entering certain shelter and housing programs can become incredibly difficult.

What we’ve learned is that the need is not slowing down. Month after month, more people are coming through our doors—people experiencing homelessness and others living right on the edge of it.

First Steps can’t solve every problem they face. But we can listen. We can offer guidance. We can connect people with our partner resource agencies. And most importantly, we can show people that we see them—with our hearts.

When others may walk away, we choose to walk toward those in need.

Because we believe that is what Jesus would ask us to do.

Sometimes a birth certificate, an ID, a Social Security card, a conversation, or the right connection is all it takes to help someone take their next step forward.

900+ people. 1,200+ documents. One person at a time.

What a Tuesday at First Steps!

We experienced twice the intake of our previous busiest day — a powerful reminder that the need in our community is real and growing.

We were especially encouraged by the number of agency workers who brought people to us for help. People need guidance. They need someone to help them navigate the barriers standing between them and housing, employment, benefits, and stability.

We're so grateful to the Waterfront Rescue Mission for hosting our Port City Refuge First Steps team and supporting us.

We’re grateful to our volunteers and community partners who make this possible.

The need is growing — and First Steps is ready to keep walking alongside people as they begin again.

Sometimes a new beginning just needs a First Step.

https://mynbc15.com/news/local/mobile-homeless-id-card-gains-federal-recognition-now-accepted-by-social-security-office

Mobile homeless ID card gains federal recognition, now accepted by social security office For people experiencing homelessness, proving who they are can often times be the first step toward getting back on their feet, and it can also become a very da

SOCIAL SECURITY ACCEPTS MOBILE ID
🪪 Mobile’s locally issued identification card for people experiencing homelessness can now be used as supporting identification when applying for a replacement Social Security card.

🏛️ The Social Security Administration has approved the Mobile Homeless Outreach Identification Card as acceptable third-level identification evidence and added it to the National Identity Document Database as a recognized “Homeless Identification Card.”

That means Social Security field offices can accept the Mobile-issued card as part of the identification process for people seeking replacement Social Security cards.

The City of Mobile Department of Public Safety said the program was created by its Homeless Outreach Team to address a common problem: People without identification can face difficulty obtaining jobs, housing, government benefits, healthcare and other services.

The federal recognition expands the usefulness of an identification card that was originally developed to solve that problem locally.

The city credited Officer Justin Howard and First Steps Director Kevin Lazarus with helping develop and advance the initiative.

FIRST STEPS — CANCELLED THIS WEEK
We’re sorry for the inconvenience, but First Steps will not be holding services this week.

We know many of our clients and partner agencies depend on our weekly services, and we hate any inconvenience this may cause.

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we look forward to seeing our clients, volunteers, and partner agencies again next Tuesday!
Thank you to everyone who continues to support the work of First Steps.

People. Progress. Possibilities.

What is this going to do to help you?

She shared, “I guess I've been on the streets now for a month and a half, two months. Something like that, and this is a lifeline. What y'all do right here with the ID is a lifeline. You are literally throwing me a rope in sinking waters and giving me a line back to getting my life as it was previously."

Throughout her time with us, she expressed just how grateful she was for the help and support she received. Her appreciation was evident in the way she spoke about what this opportunity meant to her and how much she valued having someone come alongside her during such an important time.

Her gratitude is a reminder that sometimes a simple act of help can mean more than we realize. Being given the opportunity to take this step toward getting her ID has given her encouragement and something to hold onto as she works toward getting her life back on track.

We are so thankful for her gracious spirit and the appreciation she showed for everyone who helped her along the way. It is an honor to be part of moments where someone can feel supported, encouraged, and hopeful about what comes next.

Want to be part of this journey?
👉 Volunteer or donate at www.firststepspcr.org

What opportunities can open when you have the identification you need?

He shared with us, “This is going to help me with my identity in looking for a job. That’s something you are going to need. Yeah, it’s something you need.” Sometimes, the things we may take for granted—like having an ID—can make a meaningful difference in someone’s ability to move forward.

Having an identity can bring a sense of security, confidence, and comfort in knowing who you are and having the identification to prove it. It can be one less barrier standing between someone and the opportunities they are working toward.

At First Steps, we are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside people as they work toward a brighter and more stable future. We’re honored to support them along the way and celebrate each step forward.

Want to be part of this journey?
👉 Volunteer or donate at www.firststepspcr.org

JUST 2 HOURS A WEEK CAN HELP CHANGE A LIFE.

First Steps is growing, and we need more volunteers!

Over the past 15 months, First Steps has helped more than 800 people in Mobile’s homeless community obtain identification, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and connections to the services they need to begin moving forward.

And we do it one person at a time.

We’re looking for compassionate people who can give just 2 hours a week to serve alongside us. You don’t need special experience—we’ll show you what to do. You simply need a heart for people and a willingness to help.

If you’ve been looking for a way to get involved in our community where you can actually see the difference your time makes, we would love to have you on the First Steps team.

2 hours a week. Real people. Real impact. Lives changed.

Interested in volunteering? Send us a message and let’s talk!

Please share this post—you may know exactly the person we need.