Nonprofit founder helps homeless people get off the streets with new drivers license
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - Helping the homeless get back on their feet doesn’t cost much.
Take it from Merideth Spriggs, the founder and Chief Kindness Officer of local nonprofit Caridad.
She says one overlooked item many people have on hand can make the difference in where you live, for her paying the fee is priceless.
“That’s $22.50 of money that we already have in our budget,” Spriggs said. “That’s a simple fix for us to help somebody and get them back on their feet.”
Spriggs shared she discovered there was a problem by listening to people living on the streets.
“What I’ve been finding is that some people, all they need is ID assistance, and then they can go indoors,” Spriggs explained. “If that’s all it takes to get somebody off the streets is just get them their id and they’re on their way, great, let’s do it!”
She’s has decided to step in because people experiencing homelessness often need an ID to get a job, housing or federal benefits.
The latter is a subject Spriggs is all too familiar with.
She’s heard from countless people on the streets who can’t get their Social Security turned back on because they don’t have an ID, but she says health insurance benefits can really pay off for the unhoused.
“There’s so many member benefits to people if they’re homeless because it’s really a benefit to the healthcare provider,” Spriggs said. “If you get people housed, it saves them money. Less ER trips that they have to pay for. So, they all have in their budget too to help with housing assistance.”
Spriggs just started doing this form of ID help, and says in November alone her team has helped 20 people get ID’s.
But in the 14 years since starting the nonprofit, she’s helped thousands get back on their feet after becoming homeless herself.
For Spriggs, there’s a sense of urgency in getting people help now.
“We’ve been going out and doing street outreach for some of our outdoor neighbors to try to offer assistance and get them indoors before the holiday,” Spriggs said. “I don’t want to force the holiday on anyone, but I also want them to know they’re not alone anymore.”
The Nevada DMV has one-time fee exemptions for people experiencing homelessness to get a state ID card.
Copyright 2024 KVVU. All rights reserved.
