Identification Documents Resources

The Foundation of HOPE is an interfaith non-profit with the mission to “Empower incarcerated and released individuals to restore their relationship with their God, rebuild their lives, and reconcile to their communities.” The HOPE Aftercare Program is a pre- and post-release adult reintegration program for inmates and reentrants that seeks to ensure their successful return to the community. HOPE Aftercare provides resources, referrals, and guidance regarding employment, housing, education, food assistance, mental health services, and clothing. The program’s mentoring component matches inmates and reentrants with mentors who can assist them on a one-on-one basis.

TRAILS is a faith-based organization that offers supports to obtain necessary documentation (i.e. Social Security Card, Identification Documents, Birth Certificate, etc), mental health counseling, and drug and alcohol counseling. TRAILS also offers support in seeking employment, transportation, food, housing, clothing, and one-on-one and group mentoring.

Berks Counseling Center (BCC) is a recovery oriented behavioral health and support services non-profit organization. BCC provides drug and alcohol counseling, mental health counseling, and supporting housing.

CRESC is a network of caring professionals and community leaders whose purpose is to provide encouragement, hope and resources for the formerly incarcerated individuals. CRESC provides a variety of services, including mentoring, housing, employment, and referrals to other resources.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. The progam's message is based on the Bible and every program is rooted in service. Among its principle ministry services, the Huntingdon Worship & Service Center offers rental assistance, food boxes, volunteer opportunities, and case management services that can meet the individual needs of the client.

The Hispanic American Organization (HAO) aims to improve the lives of Hispanic families in Lehigh Valley. Through various programs, HAO provides counseling and housing services, GED and ESL programs, nutrition awareness, parenting support groups, a wellness program (physical, mental, and social support), drug and alcohol assessments, and general intake and referral services.

Community Legal Services (CLS) provides free civil legal assistance to low-income Philadelphians. CLS attorneys and other staff provide a full range of legal services, as well as community education and social work. CLS also assists individuals with obtaining identification documents. CLS' legal units include: Aging and disabilities; Employment; Energy; Family advocacy; Homeownership and consumer rights; Housing; Language access project; and Public benefits. CLS offers free legal help to individuals who believe the welfare office made a mistake in their benefits. Please call ahead to find out office locations and hours of operation.

Impact Services provides a range of employment training and housing support, as well as community and economic development. Impact Services aims to assist TANF recipients and returning citizens with finding work and becoming self-sufficient.

If you are looking to obtain a photo ID, please use the link below to visit PennDOT's website, which lists the steps you'll need to take, as well as the forms and documentation you'll need to either take with you to your nearest PennDOT location, or mail to the listed address. The webpage also provides a PennDOT office locator to help you find the nearest location.

Philly Restart is a group of volunteers, led by Adam Bruckner, who meet every Monday along the Ben Franklin Parkway near 19th Street to provide meals and assistance to people trying to obtain identification documents. Having helped many people obtain a PennDOT ID Card, Philly Restart knows what materials you'll need and how much obtaining an ID will cost. They'll also provide vouchers that will help towards the cost of obtaining identification. For more information about what you will need, please visit the website's "Common Questions" page, which is linked below.

Turning the TIDE provides services and employment opportunities to individuals from throughout Philadelphia, focusing on neighborhoods in west and southwest Philadelphia. This organization provides access to a public computer and technology center, a computer training program, as well as workforce development programs, job search assistance, and health promotion and HIV education.

GEO Reentry provides flexible options such as residential housing and treatment, day reporting programs, and inpatient treatment and training for individuals returning from incarceration.

If you are looking to obtain a state-issued photo ID, you can use the attached PDF to find the nearest PennDOT location, its hours of operation, and what materials are required in order to obtain photo ID. Please refer to the attached document for more information on how to search PennDOT’s website.