Free PO Boxes proposed nationally for homeless people

By Gary Warth

July 28, 2026

People experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity nationwide could receive mail at free Post Office Boxes under a bill introduced by Sen. Adam Schiff.

Senate Bill 5070, the Mail Accessibility and Inclusion for Low-Income Families (MAIL) Act, was introduced by Schiff on July 22 and has been referred to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees for its first reading.

If adopted, the U.S. Postal Service would be required to provide PO Boxes to eligible individuals within a year.

Eligibility requirements include proof of an income that is at or below the poverty line or active enrollment in safety-net programs like Medicaid or SNAP.

Schiff had introduced a similar bill in 2024 in the House.

“All people in California and across the country should have access to a mailbox,” Schiff said in a press release. “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,” he continued. “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.”

Access to mail has been provided locally to thousands of homeless people over the years in downtown San Diego at the Neil Good Center, which is scheduled to close by the end of the year because of budget cuts.

Third Avenue Charitable Organization in downtown San Diego, Uptown Community Service Center in North Park, Brother Benno’s in Oceanside and some emergency shelters are among the nonprofits that also provide a mailing address. 

PO Boxes likely will be more convenient for many people because of the numerous locations of U.S. Post Offices, and could be especially helpful in areas with few service providers for homeless people.

Episcopal Community Services, San Diego CEO Elizabeth Wilberg said she has seen first-hand the need for access to mail services.

“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,” she said in the press release. “Without a reliable place to receive mail, job opportunities, housing, health care, and critical benefits can slip out of reach. 

“The MAIL Act addresses this often-overlooked barrier with a practical and compassionate solution that helps restore dignity, connection, and opportunity,” she continued. “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.” 

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

“For too long, people experiencing homelessness or housing instability have been blocked from opportunity because they lack a stable mailing address,” said Marc Morial, president and CEO of National Urban League, which also supports the bill. “Without one, it becomes harder to receive essential documents, apply for jobs, access benefits, stay connected to public institutions, and even register to vote.”

Under the bill, the U.S. Postal Service would request reimbursement from Congress for the PO Boxes.