Common Ground Community Center Photo ID Program
Most of us take our photo id for granted. Here are just a
few reasons you need one:
- Get a job
- Lease an apartment
- Open a bank account
- Apply for food stamps/Medicare/Social Security
- Go to the doctor/dentist
- Buy or rent a car
- Get married
- Buy a cell phone
- Pick up a prescription
But what about those who don’t have a photo id? They can easily get one right? WRONG! The PennDOT process is both cumbersome and expensive for people in this income bracket.
Current State Fee Schedule
License Renewal $29.50
Identification Card (Initial) $28.50
Identification Card (Renewal) $28.50
Identification Card (Replacement) $27.50
GTS has created a program to provide this critical service by helping people with the paperwork and with the financial cost. Since we are one of the few programs providing funds, several other organizations send people to us.
At CGCC, we help people figure out how to get the required documents – they often already have most of them. The major hurdle is coming up with the fee when their income is already less than the cost of their basic monthly needs. How does one decide what expense to not pay in order to pay for a photo ID?
Having a photo ID opens so many doors, makes so many opportunities possible. In so many instances it is truly life changing. It elevates self-confidence and self-esteem. It removes many obstacles, empowers our neighbors, and offers hope.
BUT….we don’t have enough funds to help everyone who asks. For each person we can help, we are saying “not now” to five people. Making them wait keeps them from applying for jobs or getting the services they need.
Supporting the CGCC Photo ID program
Please consider a financial gift to help underwrite the costs of the ids. Please indicate when making your gift that it is for the photo id program.
Click here to make a gift online with PayPal or credit card
Send checks to: GTSFJ, 904 North Third Street, Apt. 3, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
Thanks for your support!