Ashrei Foundation Featured in the St. Louis Jewish Light
From the St. Louis Jewish Light:
Fixing Missouri’s Broken System:
How the Ashrei Foundation is Changing Lives Through the North City Photo ID Project
Ashrei Foundation Executive Director Sara Ruiz (left) speaks with volunteer Margaret Rowe. (Bill Motchan)
In Missouri, a government-issued photo ID is the key to essential services like housing, employment, banking, and healthcare. It’s a basic requirement for navigating everyday life—but for many individuals, obtaining an ID is an uphill battle.
Recognizing this urgent need, the Ashrei Foundation launched the North City Photo ID Project in 2021. Operating most Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Hub in north St. Louis, this walk-in clinic provides free assistance to individuals struggling to secure a Missouri non-driver photo ID.
Breaking Down Barriers
The process of obtaining an ID is often more complex than it seems. For many, missing documents like certified birth certificates create a significant hurdle. Others lack the financial resources to cover the associated fees. The North City Photo ID Project addresses these barriers head-on, helping community members gather necessary documents and covering costs whenever possible.
The clinic’s work has become even more critical with the recent enactment of Missouri’s House Bill 1878, which requires voters to present a government-issued photo ID at the polls. This law has made Missouri one of the most restrictive states for voter ID laws, amplifying the consequences of not having proper identification.
A Life-Changing Impact
Ashrei Foundation volunteer Joni Resides helps people obtain a Missouri non-driver photo IDs. (Bill Motchan)
Every $33—the cost of a photo ID—has the potential to unlock access to housing, jobs, credit, and public benefits for someone in need. The North City Photo ID Project is not just about IDs; it’s about restoring dignity, opportunity, and independence to those who’ve been overlooked by the system.
Join Us
The Ashrei Foundation is proud to lead this effort, but we can’t do it alone. Your support allows us to continue breaking down barriers and empowering individuals across Missouri.
Your financial support funds IDs, donate here
Your time supports and cares for our most vulnerable neighbors, volunteer here
Your action supports advancing ID Access in the state of Missouri, join the Missouri ID Access Coalition here
Want to learn more about this transformative work? Read the full story by Ellen Futterman published January 21, 2025 in the St. Louis Jewish Light: Photo ID Project Fixing Missouri’s Broken System.
Together, we’re creating a brighter, more equitable future—one ID at a time.
