Finding yourself without a permanent place to live is tough. One of the many challenges homeless individuals face is how to receive mail. A seemingly simple task like getting a letter can become complicated when you don’t have a home to call your own. A crucial detail is the return address. Figuring out What To Put For Return Address When Homeless can feel overwhelming, but there are several options available to ensure you can stay connected and receive important communications.
Using a Shelter or Social Service Organization
The best option for a return address when homeless is often a local shelter or social service organization. These places are specifically designed to help people experiencing homelessness, and they usually have systems in place to receive and hold mail for residents or people they support.

Using a shelter or social service organization offers several advantages. For instance, they can provide a safe and secure place for your mail. You won’t have to worry about it getting stolen or lost. These organizations will often alert you when mail arrives, making it easier to stay in touch with friends, family, and potential employers. Some organizations even have staff who can help you sort through your mail and understand its contents. Remember to ask the organization about their specific policies for mail pickup and how long they will hold your mail.
Here’s how using a shelter or social service organization typically works:
- You’ll provide the organization with your name.
- You’ll ask for permission to use their address for mail.
- You’ll then use their address as your mailing address, making sure to include your name.
It’s a good idea to contact a few different organizations and learn which ones are best suited to your needs. Consider looking for organizations focused on helping the homeless, such as a local United Way or similar organization.
Mail Forwarding Services
Mail Forwarding Services
Mail forwarding services offer another way to receive mail while homeless. These services are designed to provide a physical address for you to receive mail, and then they forward it to another location you choose. They can be a reliable way to get your mail wherever you are.
There are several types of mail forwarding services available. Some services are free, while others charge a monthly fee. They can vary in their level of service, but will generally all receive and forward mail. Be sure to research a mail forwarding service to learn how long they hold your mail. When choosing a service, make sure it’s reliable and fits your budget. Some services allow you to view your mail online.
Here are some things to consider when using a mail forwarding service:
- Cost: Mail forwarding services often charge a fee, so make sure you can afford it.
- Location: Choose a service that has a good reputation and is located in an area that’s convenient for you, or that is able to send mail to your desired location.
- Security: Make sure the service has security measures in place to protect your mail.
- Privacy: Check the service’s privacy policy to ensure they protect your personal information.
Before signing up, always read the fine print and ask questions to fully understand the service’s terms and conditions. A few of these services may not be able to forward government or court mail to you.
The Address of a Friend or Family Member
Friend or Family Address
If you have a trusted friend or family member, you might be able to use their address. This is a convenient option if you have a good relationship with someone who is willing to help. It allows you to receive mail directly and eliminates the need for a middleman.
Before using a friend’s or family member’s address, get their permission. Discuss how they prefer to handle your mail. They might want to open it for you, or simply hold it until you can pick it up. Be respectful of their time and space. Make sure to keep them informed of any changes in your situation or if you plan to use a different address.
Here are some tips for using a friend’s or family member’s address:
- Communicate regularly: Let them know what mail to expect and when.
- Pick up mail promptly: Avoid letting mail pile up at their place.
- Be considerate: Thank them for their help and be mindful of their privacy.
This is generally a good option, but keep in mind that if you have a falling out with the person whose address you are using, you will need to change your address as soon as possible.
General Delivery at a Post Office
Using General Delivery
Another option is using General Delivery at a post office. This is a service provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows you to receive mail at a specific post office location. You’ll need to find a post office that offers General Delivery in the area where you are staying.
To use General Delivery, address your mail to yourself, followed by “General Delivery,” the post office’s name, and the city, state, and zip code. You’ll need to go to the post office to pick up your mail. You will also need to provide identification to collect it. Make sure to check the post office’s hours of operation.
Here is a quick table showing how to format your mail for General Delivery:
Line 1 | Your Full Name |
---|---|
Line 2 | General Delivery |
Line 3 | Post Office Name |
Line 4 | City, State, Zip Code |
General Delivery can be a reliable option, but it may not be ideal for all situations. If you are not close to a post office, you may have trouble getting there to pick up mail regularly. Also, some post offices may have limited hours, making it harder to retrieve your mail.
Using a PO Box
Setting Up a PO Box
A Post Office (PO) Box offers a secure and private way to receive mail. This is a good choice if you want more privacy and control over your mail. You pay a fee to rent a PO Box from the USPS, and you receive a key to access your box.
To get a PO Box, you will need to fill out an application at your local post office. You’ll have to provide identification, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID. There are different sizes of PO Boxes available, and the cost varies depending on the size and location. Make sure to choose a box that’s large enough to accommodate all of your mail.
PO Boxes can be an excellent choice, but they do have some drawbacks. Make sure to consider these points:
- Cost: There is a fee for renting a PO Box.
- Location: You have to travel to the post office to check your mail.
- Identification: You’ll need proper identification to rent a PO Box and pick up your mail.
PO Boxes provide more security than a general delivery service. Be sure to ask the post office about the PO Box’s hours and other policies.
Important Considerations
Important Considerations
Regardless of which option you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always update your address with important institutions, such as the DMV, banks, and any other organizations that send you mail. This will help ensure that you receive all of your important communications. If you are using someone else’s address, remember to get their permission, and make sure they know what to expect.
Keep in mind that it is against the law to use a false address to obtain government services or benefits. Always be honest about your address and be sure to follow the rules. When you change your mailing address, be sure to notify the USPS by filling out a change-of-address form either online or at your local post office.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your return address:
- Reliability: Choose an option that is reliable and that you can consistently access.
- Privacy: Consider how important your privacy is to you.
- Cost: Some options cost money.
- Access: Consider how you will be able to pick up your mail.
It’s a good idea to consider all of the options and select the one that best meets your needs and circumstances. No matter your situation, there is always a way to get mail.
When considering return addresses, research and use the one that makes the most sense for you. No matter what you choose, be patient and persistent. Getting your mail can be a little tricky when you are homeless, but it is possible.