Every night, approximately 580,000 Americans experience homelessness according to the latest data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For these individuals and families, the daily struggle of finding food, shelter and safety is compounded by the difficulty of accessing many basic services – including receiving mail.
However, thanks to a longstanding service from the United States Postal Service (USPS) called General Delivery, people without a permanent address have a way to stay connected via mail. As retail and consumer experts, we want to shed light on this critical resource, explore why it matters, and discuss how we can all play a role in supporting those experiencing homelessness in our communities.
Understanding the Scope of Homelessness in America
Before diving into the details of USPS General Delivery, it‘s important to understand the current state of homelessness in the U.S. While the 580,000 figure from HUD provides a snapshot, other data points paint an even more concerning picture:
- Over the course of a year, an estimated 1.5 million people will experience homelessness for at least one night (National Alliance to End Homelessness)
- 30% of homeless individuals are under the age of 24, and 18% are children (HUD Exchange)
- 70% of homeless individuals live in major cities, but rural homelessness is on the rise (National Alliance to End Homelessness)
- Homelessness disproportionately impacts minority groups, with African Americans making up 40% of the homeless population but only 13% of the general population (National Alliance to End Homelessness)
For people facing these immense challenges, receiving mail is usually last on the hierarchy of needs. However, mail service is crucial for escaping homelessness as it enables communication with employers, healthcare providers, government agencies, and loved ones.
What is USPS General Delivery?
That‘s where USPS General Delivery comes in. This service allows those without a permanent mailing address to use their local Post Office as a place to send and receive mail. Here‘s how it works:
- Mail is addressed to the customer using their full name and a designated General Delivery address (e.g. John Smith, General Delivery, Anytown, NY 12345-9999)
- Mail is held at the Post Office for up to 30 days
- Customers pick up their mail during retail hours by showing identification and requesting their General Delivery mail
There is no cost to sign up or use General Delivery, and no application is required beyond a valid ID. It‘s important to note that not every Post Office handles General Delivery mail. In most cases, only the central or main Post Office in a city or town will provide the service.
The History and Intention of General Delivery
The origins of General Delivery date back to the mid-1800s, predating home mail delivery. In those days, most Americans would visit their local Post Office to retrieve their mail, addressed simply to them and the town name. As free home delivery expanded, General Delivery shifted to serve more transient populations and those without a permanent address.
Today, the USPS continues to offer General Delivery as part of its universal service obligation. This obligation, outlined in multiple statutes such as the Postal Reorganization Act, charges the Postal Service with providing access to essential mail services to all communities in the U.S., including underserved groups like the homeless.
While there is no definitive data on General Delivery usage nationwide, a review of USPS practices estimated that over 110,000 people use the service in the 50 largest U.S. cities alone (Hopper and Suarez, 2015). Usage is likely much higher in smaller towns and rural areas with higher rates of homelessness and fewer shelters or aid organizations to receive mail.
Why General Delivery is a Critical Resource for the Homeless
For people experiencing homelessness, General Delivery is often the only way to receive vital mail such as:
- Government benefits like Social Security, SNAP, and Medicaid
- Communication from potential employers and housing programs
- Bank statements and replacement ID documents
- Healthcare-related mail like appointment notices, test results, bills
- Personal correspondence from friends and family
Having a mailing address, even a temporary one, helps the homeless stay connected to the wider social safety net and improves access to the resources needed to work toward stability.
Research has shown that a lack of a mailing address is a major barrier for the homeless to receive services. For example, a 2008 study in Nebraska found that only 39% of homeless individuals had an ID card with their current address, hampering access to general assistance, food programs, employment services, and housing aid.
On a human level, the ability to receive mail also provides a sense of dignity, identity, and normalcy amid the trauma of experiencing homelessness. A simple letter or package can provide a much-needed boost of hope and motivation.
How Retailers, Non-Profits and Agencies Reach the Homeless via General Delivery
In addition to personal correspondence, many organizations utilize USPS General Delivery to reach people experiencing homelessness with resources and support:
- Shelters and aid agencies may have clients fill out applications or renewal forms for programs and then return them via General Delivery
- Non-profit groups can send care kits, clothing vouchers or gift cards via General Delivery to provide direct aid
- Employers hiring for day labor or short-term work may provide paychecks or other documents to workers via General Delivery
- Government agencies may use General Delivery to send program information, benefits checks, or other official mail to homeless constituents
- Medical clinics and hospitals can send prescriptions, appointment reminders and health education materials through General Delivery
For retailers in particular, there are some key considerations when trying to reach homeless customers through the mail. Coupons, sale announcements, product samples and loyalty program rewards can be welcomed mail for those with limited means. However, it‘s important to be mindful of the General Delivery policies around mail retention and to avoid sending bulky or heavy packages that may be a burden for customers to pick up and transport.
Supporting USPS General Delivery and Ending Homelessness
Despite the clear benefits of General Delivery for those experiencing homelessness, the system is far from perfect. Limited hours, a lack of storage for packages, and the potential for theft or loss of mail are real concerns. The 30-day limit on mail retention also poses challenges for highly transient individuals.
However, until broader solutions to ending homelessness are implemented, General Delivery will remain an imperfect but vital service. As engaged citizens, retailers and consumers, we can take action to support both this program and the wider social safety net:
- Educate friends, coworkers and employees about General Delivery and how to properly address mail to homeless individuals
- Volunteer with or donate to local shelters and non-profit organizations working to assist the homeless and expand mail service access
- Advocate for increased funding for USPS, homeless services, affordable housing and living wages at the local, state and federal levels
- Support businesses and brands with a demonstrated commitment to ethical labor practices and community investment
- Destigmatize homelessness and build social awareness through open and honest conversations
The USPS motto is "neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Until the night comes when no one in America has to experience the gloom of homelessness, we must all do our part to ensure that the vital lifeline of mail service reaches everyone – no matter their address.
