“I’m never going to forget this experience,” says Texas voter after receiving first ID

Juni, an 18-year-old facing housing insecurity, struggled to get a job or stable housing because he didn’t have a government-issued ID. After multiple failed attempts, he finally received help from VoteRiders and secured his ID just in time for a crucial job interview. With his ID, Juni can now pursue his dream of becoming a chef. 

BY ERIN CARDEN & JESSICA MEZA — DECEMBER 10, 2024

Juni was officially an “adult” — but there were so many adult things he still couldn’t do.

At 18 years old, he couldn’t get a job or escape Houston’s shelter system all because he lacked a government-issued identification. Although Juni had applied for a state ID several times, securing one without a permanent address was extremely difficult. 

“I applied for an ID a couple of different times,” Juni explained.” But, being homeless for as long as I was, I didn’t have anywhere to send it to. I bounced around from so many different places and when they sent it out, it would get lost or just wouldn’t show up…There’s not really much you can do as far as the whole adulting thing without an ID and that’s what I’m trying to get figured out for my life.”

Fortunately for Juni, this all changed after he met VoteRiders’ Houston Coordinator Jessica Hutlett at a youth resources fair hosted by The Beacon Homeless Services in Houston, Texas. Juni spoke to Jessica about his situation and was assured that VoteRiders could not only help them get the ID he needed but would also cover the cost and provide transportation via our partners at Lyft to and from the ID-issuing office.

Juni’s ID journey became a race against the clock when he was invited for a job interview that was scheduled right after his appointment at the DMV. Now that he had found a way to get an ID, it became a matter of whether or not he would get it in time. Juni knew it was cutting it close and the DMV was notorious for being extremely slow at processing ID documentation. 

Thankfully, Jessica stepped in to ensure the process was as seamless and most importantly, as quick as possible. Sge made sure Juni brought the right underlying documents to prove his identity including his birth certificate and Social Security card and helped them complete the necessary paperwork. In no time at all, Juni received the Texas state ID he needed for his interview. Time was still of the essence, so, Jessica arranged a free ride via Lyft to drop Juni off at his interview on time and bring them safely back home afterward. 

“Jessica really did me a solid and I appreciate it more than she could ever understand,” Juni said. “I feel like she could tell that I was panicking a little bit because we had so many complications, but she was so patient with me and she was just so great the entire time. I really appreciate her looking out for me.”

With his very first government-issued state ID, Juni expressed that he finally felt like a real adult. This small piece of plastic meant he could secure stable housing and earn an income. One day, Juni hopes to pursue his passion for cooking by working as a chef. 

“My favorite thing in the world is to cook,” Juni exclaimed, noting that his buffalo chicken wings are a fan favorite. “My ID is good for recreational purposes too,” he added. “I can go out and do more cool stuff with my friends that require me to prove that I’m an adult. I feel like I have a social circle.” 

“I’m never going to forget this experience, “ Juni concluded. “I think this is one of the only times that I have ever seen so much appreciation for the person instead of just the client. I really don’t know what I could have done if I couldn’t have gotten to that interview or if I had been stuck up there without being able to get an ID. I just really appreciate it.” 

If you or someone you know is looking for ID information or assistance, visit our website at VoteRiders.org to learn how we can help.