North City Photo ID Clinic Stories of Success

Spring 2025

Proof of Identity, Path to Dignity: How the North City Photo ID Clinic Transforms Lives

At The Ashrei Foundation’s North City Photo ID Clinic, we understand that a simple photo ID is often the key that unlocks housing, employment, banking, voting rights, and basic public benefits. But for many of our neighbors, obtaining one is anything but simple.

Every week, we walk alongside guests on their journey to secure the documents that prove who they are—because we believe that everyone deserves to be seen, counted, and empowered.

Ryson's Tenacity

Take Ryson M., for example. His journey to get an ID took three visits to our clinic. The roadblock? His birth certificate was in Arkansas, and he didn’t have the documentation typically required to request it. But Ryson didn’t give up—and neither did we. We worked through the barriers together, trying different avenues until we found a way to get the certificate. When his state-issued ID finally arrived in our office, Ryson, our volunteers, and I all broke into a happy dance. It was a celebration of persistence, partnership, and purpose.

A Mother's Determination

Another guest, a Spanish-speaking mother, needed to amend her son’s birth certificate using a court order she already had. We helped her file the amendment, but when confusing messages came back from the state about additional documentation, she returned—worried and unsure. Thankfully, one of our bilingual volunteers stepped in to navigate the back-and-forth, clarify the communication, and ultimately confirm that the amended birth certificate had already been processed. That same day, she received the corrected certificate—relief and joy written all over her face.

Supporting Recovery Through Partnership

We also work closely with a local sober living house, assisting three to four of their residents each week. These individuals are in recovery, actively rebuilding their lives, and trying to reenter the workforce. With no ID, they often can’t access housing or jobs. Our partnership ensures they have a clear path to retrieve their birth certificates and state IDs—one of the most immediate and impactful steps toward stability.

Job on the Line

For Charles B., time was everything. He had just landed a job but couldn’t start until he could provide the documents required for I-9 verification. Without an ID or a birth certificate, he was at risk of losing the opportunity. We got him in within two days. Thanks to our rapid response and his determination, he got what he needed—and kept the job.

A Simple Document. A Life Transformed.

These are just a few of the stories that unfold at our clinic every week. Each one is a reminder that identification is not just paperwork—it’s power. The North City Photo ID Clinic exists because everyone deserves access to that power, and with your support, we’ll keep partnering and showing up—until every guest has what they need to move forward.