Originally published in the 2026 DRC Homecomer
“I can’t remember my mother’s maiden name.”
“I’m from Lubbock.” “I was born in Houston.”
“My mother divorced, but kept my father’s last name.”
“I don’t know how much I weigh anymore.”
“I’m 68.” “I’m 47.” “I just turned 21.”
Every Thursday morning, these phrases predicate an exciting event in the lives of DRC clients. Denise Yeager arrives at 8 AM to prepare for the line outside of the DRC office gate. She starts opening file cabinet drawers that seem endless with folders, pulling the documents she can match to the faces outside. Will there be a handful of people waiting? Will only six or twenty people show up for their appointments? The unknown never really fazes Denise after 13 years. Rolling with unknowns is what DRC does best.
The DRC believes in removing barriers as we walk alongside those living unsheltered. Removing barriers to housing, employment, and self-sufficiency are critical to a client’s self-sufficiency and success. Barrier removal also helps ease the process in which DRC can move a client into housing. Since 2013, Denise was the lone expert and detective in Critical Document services to those living unsheltered in Tarrant County, helping to replace identifying documents that every citizen needs to do anything- to go to school, to get a job, to drive, to rent or buy a home, or even just apply for a library card. There was usually never a birth certificate, I.D. card, or Social Security card she couldn’t hunt down eventually with even the smallest bit of information. The work has become almost intuitive, but it means the entire world to each client she helps.
Jonathan, 21, is experiencing homelessness for the first time after aging out of foster care. During his first week of surviving outside, his bag was stolen with everything he owned, including his new work uniform and wallet inside. He lost his job within the week after struggling to show up on time. “I didn’t have money to take the bus, and even almost running from across town, I’d show up late and without my uniform,” he explained. Now, as he sits across from Emily at the Johnson County Department of Safety office, they chat about their love of tacos as Emily processes Jonathan’s new state I.D.
Not wanting to return to her abusive marriage, DRC client “Melissa” fled her old home quickly in order to keep herself safe. Although experiencing homelessness has been tough, she was excited to get her I.D. in order to start classes as she awaits a chance at housing. MHMR High-Impact Case Manager, Ashton Barrera, and her client were also along for this weekly visit. Once they received this new I.D. card, Ashton would be able to move her long-time client into a specific program that will allow her to receive crucial medical care and housing, marking the end of a long road for both of them.
Some clients in the group pose with their new tickets to possibility, with two of their smiling faces beaming into the camera as the visit ends. The group, having obtained the documents they came for, thanks the office staff. Denise conducts a quick headcount and tells the DPS staff she’ll see them next week. The group piles back into the old white van with Denise at the wheel. The group is quiet, but there is a positively content vibe. Daniel makes a quick call to his boss to ask if he can still make the work shift for the day after the important morning appointment. His boss is happy to have him jump on with the crew, and is excited for Daniel to have his new ID. The cabin goes quiet again until one client breaks the happy silence.
“It was nice to get off East Lancaster for a minute.” Some of the group nods with the same feeling; one whistles low and slow in the realization of where they were returning. Although they were pointed back to the avenue that they were happy to leave, they were returning as proof-holding members of Tarrant County. As mothers, fathers, children, hard workers, and hopeful citizens, this small group would step back onto the already-hot sidewalk within minutes but with hope. They disperse in different directions with different agendas for the rest of the day, but all walk away smiling.
