Being homeless can make everyday things, like getting mail, super tricky. One of the trickiest things is figuring out what to put as your return address. It’s important because if the mail can’t get to you, it could be a problem! You might miss important documents, like government benefits, or packages from family and friends. So, let’s talk about some options for what to put on your return address when you don’t have a permanent home.
Using a Local Shelter or Social Service Organization
This is often the easiest and most reliable option. Many homeless shelters and social service organizations understand the difficulties of not having a permanent address and are happy to help. They often provide mail services for their clients. When you use this, the organization holds your mail until you can pick it up.
Here’s how it usually works: You’ll give the organization your name, and they’ll assign you a mailbox or a specific way for your mail to be held. It’s super important to check with them about their specific policies. Not all organizations offer the same services or keep mail for the same amount of time.
When filling out forms or sending mail, you’d use the organization’s address with your name. For example:
- Your Name
- [Shelter/Organization Name]
- [Shelter/Organization Street Address]
- [City, State, Zip Code]
Using a shelter is great because they can offer support in other ways, too. They can often connect you to other resources. They also give you a safe and secure place for your important papers.
Using a Friend or Family Member’s Address (With Permission!)
If you have a friend or family member who’s willing to help, this can be a good option. This way your mail can come directly to where you can get it. Just remember, you ABSOLUTELY need their permission. It’s super important to be respectful and not abuse their generosity.
Make sure you explain the situation clearly and ask them if it’s okay to use their address. Some people might not be able to deal with the extra mail, or they might not want their address associated with certain things. If they agree, make sure you have a good plan for picking up your mail regularly.
When you use their address, you’ll put your name on the envelope, followed by their name and address. This helps the postal service know it’s for you. For example:
- Your Name
- C/O [Friend/Family Member’s Name]
- [Friend/Family Member’s Street Address]
- [City, State, Zip Code]
Be sure to let your friend or family member know if you’re expecting any important mail, like checks or legal documents. That way, they know to look out for them!
Using a Post Office Box (If You Can Afford It)
A post office box (PO Box) is a secure and private way to receive mail. This is a great option if you can manage the monthly fees. You’ll need to go to your local post office to set one up. They will give you a specific address for the PO Box.
The cost of a PO Box varies depending on the size of the box and the location. You’ll usually have to pay a fee for a few months at a time. The Post Office has lots of different options on how to pay. If you’re getting government assistance, you might be able to use some of those funds to help with the PO Box fee. Ask the post office about any possible discounts. This can be a really secure way to make sure your mail is safe. Make sure to get your mail often so your box does not fill up!
When using a PO Box for your return address, you’ll simply put your name and then the PO Box number and address:
| Line 1 | Your Name |
|---|---|
| Line 2 | PO Box [Box Number] |
| Line 3 | [City, State, Zip Code] |
It is important to let people know you have a PO Box so they know where to send things.
Using General Delivery at a Post Office
General Delivery is a service the post office offers where they will hold your mail for you. You use the address of the post office, but you don’t need a specific PO Box. This is a good option if you move around a lot and don’t have a fixed address. This option might be more reliable than going to a street address. Check the local post office hours!
To have mail sent to General Delivery, the address is usually formatted like this:
- Your Name
- General Delivery
- [Post Office Street Address or Name]
- [City, State, Zip Code]
Before you have mail sent to General Delivery, it’s a good idea to call the post office and ask about their General Delivery service. Some post offices might have specific procedures or rules, and it’s always better to be prepared. Make sure to ask about their hours and the best way to retrieve your mail.
Remember to bring a photo ID to pick up your mail. Without identification, they might not give it to you.
What NOT to Do: Using a Random Public Place as a Return Address
You might be tempted to use a park bench or a public library as your return address. It’s usually not a good idea to use a public place as your return address. Your mail might get lost, stolen, or just thrown away. Mail isn’t guaranteed to be kept safe if it is sent to an address like that.
Also, it’s often against the rules of the post office to deliver mail to places that aren’t specific addresses. Mail is supposed to be delivered to a specific person, at a specific location. Using a public place, like a park, can create confusion for the postal carrier, and your mail might get returned to the sender, or lost.
Even if it’s technically possible to receive mail at a public place, it’s highly unreliable and can make it difficult to receive important documents.
Updating Your Address with Important Organizations
No matter which option you choose for your return address, it’s super important to keep your address updated with any important organizations. These include:
- Government agencies (Social Security, DMV, etc.)
- Banks and credit card companies
- Healthcare providers
- Any subscriptions you have
The goal is to make sure you receive essential mail. When you do move or change addresses, make sure to let everyone know as quickly as possible. Then you won’t miss anything important.
Make sure you have proof of address so you can receive important documents and checks. For the DMV, you will need to bring an official document with your name and address.
If you do not have the correct documents, then you will not get your documents.
Conclusion
Finding a good return address when you’re homeless can be tough, but it’s definitely possible! Using a local shelter or social service organization is often the best bet. If that’s not possible, ask for help from a friend or family member. If you can, consider a PO Box. Don’t forget to update your address with important places, and stay safe out there! By carefully considering the options and taking some proactive steps, you can stay connected and ensure you get the mail you need.