Chapel Hill puts their faith in in FaithIDs

Chapel Hill prides itself on being a place for everyone, and it has a new initiative to make life easier for people who need identification.

This February, the town of Chapel Hill, the police department and a local church and community center are partnering with Greensboro’s FaithAction International House, a public advocacy organization, to issue FaithIDs — a locally verified statement of identity.

According to Luis Royo, rector of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill, many immigrants feel like they are illegitimate, like they are strangers.

One of Chapel Hill’s goals is to create a place for everyone. Helping people get a solid piece of legitimacy is a big step towards this goal.

FaithID began in 2013 as an initiative from the FaithAction House. The organization is directed by David Fraccaro, an immigration specialist and ordained minister.

“The FaithAction House serves immigrants, educates the public and brings the community together,” Fraccaro said.

FaithID was created both to keep people from being sent to jail for routine checks like traffic stops and to provide an opportunity for dialogue with law enforcement and communities at large.

So far, FaithAction House has partnered with several churches and community organizations and has distributed more than 4,500 IDs to people in need in North Carolina.

This is only a beginning though, as Fraccaro says his organization’s eventual goal would be full driver’s license and immigration reform.

St. Thomas More Catholic Church and El Centro Hispano in Carrboro have partnered with FaithAction House to get people verified.

Royo said fear and distrust of the government takes away from community activities and keeps critical services like education out of reach.

“FaithID helps to build trust with law enforcement,” Royo said.

Since the Chapel Hill Police Department has decided to accept FaithIDs for municipal purposes, holders need not fear arrest. Though the town’s first drive where residents can receive FaithIDs is scheduled for Saturday, St. Thomas More aims to provide the service on a monthly basis going forward.

Town Council member Donna Bell and police Chief Chris Blue both support the FaithID program.

“If you are allowed a piece of ID you feel a part of a community,” Bell said. “It is important for a sense of legitimacy.”

Blue agreed and stressed that Faith IDs were rigorously verified and would help law enforcement fulfill its duty to protect the county and engage with its residents.

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