Dear John,
Shakeena was living in a domestic violence shelter in North Carolina after fleeing an abusive relationship. But her days at the shelter were running out, and she couldn’t apply for low-income housing without a birth certificate. VoteRiders was able to help her request her birth certificate and Social Security card, which she was able to use to apply for stable housing.
She’s just one of the thousands of people VoteRiders has directly helped get an ID. In our work across the country — much of which takes place onsite at shelters, food pantries, and other direct service providers — we hear over and over again that by helping folks get an ID, they’re able to change their lives in so many other ways beyond voting.
Most food pantries require an ID to get food assistance. And many homeless shelters or affordable housing programs require an ID to participate. When people don’t have an ID, they can be turned away from the social services they need to get by.
We’re proud that our work helps people make their voice heard in our democracy. And we’re equally proud of all the other life-changing impacts of our work: securing stable housing and social services, getting a job, accessing medical care, and more.
This week is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and VoteRiders is making a difference by helping people experiencing hunger and homelessness access the services and care they need.
Thank you,
Lauren Kunis
CEO and Executive Director
VoteRiders
