NEWS: Sen. Schiff Introduces Legislation to Provide Mail Services to Homeless Americans

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to provide free post office boxes through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to individuals who are homeless or experiencing housing instability.

The Mail Accessibility and Inclusion for Low-Income Families (MAIL) Act, will ensure the USPS can provide postal services to all people so everyone can access employment, housing, health care, and other crucial services.

"All people in California and across the country should have access to a mailbox. USPS post office boxes ensure Americans can communicate with loved ones, receive lifesaving medication, locate housing, find job opportunities, and exercise their right to participate in elections. Mail services create stability in everyone's day-to-day life. That's why I'm proud to introduce legislation to help ensure that those facing homelessness and housing instability can access their own post office boxes," said Senator Schiff.

The MAIL Act would provide eligible individuals with incomes below the federal poverty level or enrolled in federal assistance programs like Medicaid with free post office boxes.

The legislation is supported by National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH), National Rural Housing Coalition (NRHC), National Urban League, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), National Fair Housing Alliance, Corporation for Supportive Housing, GLIDE, Larkin Street Youth Services, and Episcopal Community Services of California.

"Every day, we work alongside people who are doing everything they can to rebuild their lives, yet something as simple as not having a mailing address can stand in their way. Without a reliable place to receive mail, job opportunities, housing, health care, and critical benefits can slip out of reach," said Elizabeth Wilberg, Chief Executive Officer of Episcopal Community Services, San Diego. "The MAIL Act addresses this often-overlooked barrier with a practical and compassionate solution that helps restore dignity, connection, and opportunity. We are grateful to Senator Schiff for his leadership in advancing a commonsense policy that helps ensure everyone has access to the basic tools needed to achieve stability and independence."

"No one should be denied the help they need just because they do not have a mailbox. At GLIDE, working every day to end cycles of poverty and marginalization, we see firsthand how many people cannot start their new lives due to lack of a mailing address," said Rev. Dr. Gina Fromer, President & CEO of GLIDE. "We need this common-sense, compassionate legislation!"

"For too long, people experiencing homelessness or housing instability have been blocked from opportunity because they lack a stable mailing address," said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of National Urban League. "Without one, it becomes harder to receive essential documents, apply for jobs, access benefits, stay connected to public institutions, and even register to vote. We urge Congress to pass the MAIL Act."

Senator Schiff previously led the MAIL Act while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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