Peer Support
Volunteers work through tasks alongside you, such as receiving a verification code, recovering an account, or applying for a Lifeline phone, most often at regular in-person sessions.
Peer support means working through a task alongside someone, as an equal, rather than doing it for them. VOICE's volunteers offer it for the tasks that help people stay in touch with one another and with the services they rely on, and anyone can ask for it, without an appointment or a referral.
Kinds of Help
Volunteers can work with you on these tasks.
- Receive a verification code and recover a locked account, including the identity checks of ID.me and Login.gov, as Multifactor Authentication describes.
- Apply for a Lifeline phone, which lowers the cost of phone service.
- Set up a VOICE email address for government and agency correspondence, which volunteers monitor for you.
- Receive a document at VOICE's fax number, or send one.
- Make calls from a private space, and use a computer for applications and online accounts.
- Collect messages, email, and faxes that are waiting for you, which a volunteer will tell you about privately.
Times and Places
Most peer support happens at regular in-person sessions, where a volunteer can sit beside you. Some of it can also happen by phone, such as a volunteer reading a document to you with your permission.
The times and places of in-person sessions have not been posted. To ask when the next session is, write to info@voicestl.org.
Working With a Volunteer
You remain in control of your own accounts throughout. You type your own passwords, the volunteer asks before looking at your screen and explains each step before you take it, and you can stop at any point.
Common Questions
What Should I Bring?
Nothing is required. A photo ID, a benefits letter, an EBT or Medicaid card, the usernames or email addresses you remember using, and your own phone can make some tasks quicker, if you have them.
Can I Bring Someone With Me?
Yes. You are welcome to bring a friend, a family member, a caseworker, or anyone else you would like to have with you.
Can I Ask for Interpretation or Other Help With Access?
Yes. Volunteers try to arrange interpretation when you need it, and writing to info@voicestl.org in advance gives them time to find someone. Questions about the accessibility of the space where sessions are held can be sent to the same address.