|
Our team has been working hard to develop new ways to get IDs virtually and we've had some great successes. Today, I'd like to share Eric's story.
Eric was referred to us in December of 2019 and we were in the midst of trying to get him a social security card, a complicated procedure when our clients don't have any identifying documents or a home address, when COVID-19 hit. Suddenly the DMVs were closed and we could no longer meet with Eric. But a few things were working in Eric's favor. For one, he got an emergency hotel room to stay in while a local shelter tried to get him housing. Unfortunately, he couldn't get placed into housing without an ID. Eric was also one of the many, many people across the country who could not cash a stimulus check without an ID, blocking him from those desperately needed funds.
But, Eric was lucky, he had three people who cared deeply and were willing to do whatever it took to get his ID. Two were his STV volunteers, Carol and Lisa, and one was his case manager, Schuyler. We work with case managers and social workers all of the time and they are true heroes. The three women worked together to help Eric find the right letters and documentation (it even took a call to a Congressman) to get his social security card. They then negotiated with the DMV to find a way to fax forms that we would normally take in person for this emergency situation. After five long months, Schuyler got Eric's ID in the mail! She took it to his hotel room immediately. I think the smile on his face says it all.
Our staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to continue to help our clients get IDs while we're stuck at home and it has been amazing to see. This weekend we held our third Virtual Volunteer Summit and all of our volunteers' questions were about how they can still help right now. They are truly the most dedicated people I have ever met. And Eric is the proof that we have to keep working.
Thank you so much for your support during these challenging times. It's working.
Kat
@spreadthevoteus
spreadthevote.org
|
