By Erin Carden
Patrick lost his license, job, and housing after a car accident. VoteRiders covered the costs and helped him get a new ID, opening doors to employment, medical care, and voting.
After thirty-one-year-old Patrick survived a terrible car wreck, things got a lot worse before they got better. His Pennsylvania driver’s license was lost in the accident, which meant he could no longer work as a truck driver. After he lost his job, he lost his home in Pittsburgh. Patrick, his wife, and their newborn became unhoused, and he didn’t have the funds to pay for a new license. Without an ID, Patrick couldn’t work, see a specialist for the leg injury he suffered in the crash, or even apply for disability benefits.
“It was an absolute nightmare trying to get my license,” he explained. “I don’t know why it’s so hard for somebody down on their luck to get one. When you don’t have it, you can’t get back on your feet.”
Every door seemed closed, that is, until one finally opened. Patrick’s friend, who also needed an ID, had just found an organization that helped him get one for free — VoteRiders. He spotted VoteRiders’ Helpline number on a local bus advertisement and encouraged Patrick to reach out, too. Patrick called and finally began to see a light at the end of what had been a very long and dark tunnel. VoteRiders would cover the cost of his new license and arrange a free, round-trip ride to his ID-issuing office.
Since Patrick already had the other documents he needed, his birth certificate and Social Security card, getting his license should have been smooth sailing. Unfortunately, mail sent to his residence kept disappearing, so he asked VoteRiders to mail a money order to a friend’s more secure mailing address to cover the cost of his license instead.
Not only does Patrick now have the ID he needs to work, apply for disability benefits, support his family, and seek medical care — he also has an ID for voting. In Pennsylvania, voters are asked to show an ID if they’re voting in their precinct for the first time. All voters have to provide an ID number or a copy of an acceptable ID to vote by mail. During the period he was receiving assistance from VoteRiders, local elections were coming up in Pennsylvania. Patrick was eager to use the power of his vote to help elect the leaders he believed would safeguard and empower his community.
“I feel the impact of voting more locally,” he said. “I can’t swing what the president is going to do or say about homeless people, but locally, I can choose the person who’s going to try to house all the homeless people instead of the guy who’s going to arrest them. “
If you or someone you know needs ID information or assistance, call or text our Voter ID Helpline at 866-432-8643 or visit VoteRiders.org/help to learn more.
Erin Carden is VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator.
November 20, 2025.
