Congressman Adam Schiff Introduces Bill to Provide Free PO Boxes for Homeless

U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff, who represents West Pasadena, and 10 colleagues have introduced the Mail Accessibility and Inclusion for Low-Income Families (MAIL) Act, a new legislation to provide free post office boxes for unhoused individuals. The bill aims to ensure that those experiencing homelessness have access to reliable mailing addresses, which are critical for securing jobs, housing, health care, and social services.

“Access to a mailbox is a basic need that many of us may take for granted,” Rep. Schiff said in a statement. “It is crucial to our everyday lives and connects so many to the services they rely on.”

Schiff added that for unhoused Californians, not having a reliable mailing address can be a significant barrier to accessing essential services and job opportunities. 

Under the proposed legislation, the U.S. Postal Service would issue regulations within one year to offer post office boxes at no cost to eligible individuals. 

“My MAIL Act addresses this gap, providing a simple yet powerful tool to help these individuals connect with the resources they need,” he said. 

Eligibility criteria include proof of income not exceeding the poverty line or participation in federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance programs.

The statement said the MAIL Act has garnered support from various organizations, including A Way Home America, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), and Western Center on Law & Poverty.

Marcella J. Middleton, Executive Director of A Way Home America, emphasized the importance of mail access for individuals navigating adulthood while facing homelessness.

“Access to important mail is essential for all people, particularly youth transitioning into adulthood, as it plays a critical role in obtaining employment, identification, maintaining family correspondence, and fulfilling various other crucial needs,” Middleton said. 

The bill is cosponsored by Democratic Representatives Tony Cárdenas (Calif.), André Carson (Ind.), Dwight Evans (Pa.), Barbara Lee (Calif.), Summer Lee (Pa.), James McGovern (Mass.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Mary Gay Scanlon (Pa.), Jonathan Jackson (Ill.), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.).

Various organizations, including Covenant House, GLIDE, Larkin Street Youth Services, The Mockingbird Society, Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco, Simply the Basics, and Network for Public Education, have also expressed support for the legislation, according to the statement.