Without a permanent address and photo identification, Borik calls the process 'very frustrating.' (CBC)

A homeless B.C. man has been trying since July to claim his $25,000 lottery win — but without a photo ID, the money remains out of his reach.

"When I went to cash the ticket, they told me I had to have photo ID," says Steve Borik, 57.

"I didn't have any ID. I lost my wallet couple years ago."

To claim the prize, lottery officials require proof of residence and photo identification.





Borik, who doesn't have a permanent address — and has been trying to obtain a birth certificate in order to get the proper ID — calls the experience "very frustrating."

He's been trying for six months to lay claim to his winnings; he has another six months before the lottery expiration date.

Borik says he has six more months left before the prize expires. (CBC) "I was hoping to have it before Christmas, but at this rate it doesn't look like it's going to happen."

Local community leaders are pitching in to expedite Borik's birth certificate and medical card so he can get the necessary photo ID and the $25,000 waiting for him

"If I do get the money, at least I'll have a proper place to live," says Borik, who has been homeless for a number of years.

Now working again as a carpenter, Borik is hoping things are finally turning around for him.

Once he gets his hands on the money, what will he do?

"I plan to get proper shelter. I hope to no longer live on the street any more."

And, hopefully, he says, there'll be some money left to make a Christmas donation.