A Last Ray of Hope

Rigo, a homeless man living in a forest near the highway in Tilburg, Netherlands, had long resisted any attempt to reintegrate into society. He even stated that he would rather freeze to death than conform to social expectations.

But something seems to have changed. A seemingly simple passport photo might just be the key to his return to society.

An ID Card as a Lifeline

Press photographer Dolph Cantrijn decided to help Rigo. He took a passport photo of him and accompanied him to the local municipality to apply for an ID card.

For Rigo, this document is more than just a means of identification—it represents a gateway back into society. With a valid ID, he can regain access to his bank account and take care of essential administrative matters.

However, his application was denied. The reason? He is not registered in the municipal records, creating yet another bureaucratic barrier that keeps him on the fringes of society.

Persistence and Support

Fortunately, Intervention Care, an organization that assists people who fall outside traditional support systems, has taken notice of Rigo’s case.

A spokesperson from the foundation stated:

Some people will always struggle to fit into society. But we firmly believe that even for them, we can make a difference. Whether it’s helping them reapply for an ID or rebuilding their social network, we are committed to supporting them.

For now, Rigo’s journey will be closely followed. Only time will tell whether this small step marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life.